Chapter 57 #2
“Can I know what it is?” I try to ask in a way that indicates I’m not going to argue, I’m merely curious.
“I think you were onto something with the idea of using the card to show her she’s safe. I also think your friend was right in allowing her to talk about what happened.”
“But that only made her worse,” I say hesitantly.
“It might, for a while.” They nod. “But she’s not going to get better without confronting the source of her pain.
I will use my card to give her the space to do it.
We will focus on confronting it even when the card isn’t being used.
She will struggle, it will not be comfortable, but the wound won’t heal otherwise. ”
Ah…This isn’t simply about Arina for Thal. This is a second chance for them as much as it is for me. It’s my second chance to save her. It’s their second chance to right the wrongs of their past. To do better this time. I wonder how long they’ve been thinking about this plan.
Confident we’re sufficiently aligned, I extend my hand. “Shall we, then?”
A Worldkeeper is at Arina’s side when we arrive. Thal takes a moment, steeling themself with a breath before they enter the room. I leave them to do what must be done. Besides, there’s someone else demanding my attention.
Suddenly, Gregor looms over me. For the first time maybe ever, he’s using his imposing form against me. “Why are they back here again?”
“To help Arina.” I keep my voice down instinctively to match his and step from the door. Thal is speaking with the Worldkeeper.
“The Worldkeepers were already suspicious of you bringing in people without their approval. I smoothed it over once, but I’m not sure I can do it again.”
“I don’t need their approval.” I keep my voice low. “Not when it comes to my sister.”
“You aren’t inducted yet. Isn’t that your goal?
If so, upsetting them isn’t going to help.
” He relaxes his stance some as I return my attention to him.
“I’m not saying it’s the wrong decision, Clara.
I’m just saying you must be cautious—sensible—in how you go about things.
You’re still learning their ways, and you don’t hear what they say when you’re not around. ”
“But you do.” I take his hand and squeeze it affectionately. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve asked so much of you…but Thal needs to come back and forth to properly treat her. Can you cover for me and say we discussed this?”
He oozes uncertainty.
“I believe in you,” I offer with a slight smile.
A heavy sigh. “You’re so lucky I love you like a sister.”
“Thank you.”
“And you shouldn’t worry about asking things of me.
” He smiles. “But just…don’t forget…the Worldkeepers also lost Bristara, the second leader they lost after your mother died.
All they’ve known is struggle, and you’re their one hope that they might get put back together.
I know…I know how much you need to look after Arina.
But if you still love me like you always said you did, like family, then I need you to show up for the Worldkeepers, too. ”
There’s an instant streak of defensiveness that I let pass as quickly as it came.
He’s right. Even though I looked out for the Starcrossed Club as my own…
who was I even kidding? Arina always came first when the cards were down.
And I always knew Bristara would be the one really looking after everyone else, picking up any slack.
Maybe I don’t deserve any of them and never did. But that doesn’t mean I can’t strive to be worthy now.
“I know,” I say finally. “Just like I know that I will never be able to be the person you all need and deserve until she’s better.”
Gregor still seems reluctant, but he also seems to accept the truth for what it is. Content—for now, probably—that I’m aware. “And that’s why I’ll help you.”
“Thank you, my friend.”
“Thank me by making it worth the effort.” He releases my hand. “I trust you; we all trust you. But don’t make it hard for us to do so.”
I nod and pull him in for a tight squeeze, one he returns with his giant, crushing arms. As I go to leave, he stops me one more time.
“Oh, about Silas’s family. I’m going to get them right before All Coins Day,” he says. “I know where they are and am going to do it when Ravin is distracted with preparations for the celebration. Sorza will help.”
“You finally have a solid lead?” Surprise mixes with hope.
He nods.
Relief floods me, chased immediately by worry. “Be careful.”
“Always am.”
“I’ll see if I can do anything else to help keep Ravin busy.”
He nods, knowing I mean I’ll see if Kaelis can do anything else to keep Ravin busy. As always, the implication of the prince turns him somber. Eventually he might accept Kaelis as I have, but he clearly hasn’t yet.
The discussion over, I check in on Arina, ensuring she’s settled with Thal. Satisfied, I head for Kaelis’s apartments to discuss possible plans and ideas. I enter his room with ease, lost in thought. But he’s not in his bedroom, or his office. I hear clanking in the dining room.
“Kaelis—” I start to speak but am cut short the moment I open the door to his dining room.
He’s not alone.
My blood goes cold. I wanted to plan and scheme about him. Not actually see him.
Fucking Ravin.