Page 104 of Forsaken Secrets

"Oh, miss." She rushed over and wrapped her thin arms around my neck. "I'm so sorry! They're idiots to deny you!"

I laughed and let myself relax into her embrace for a moment. "Thank you, Sylvie, but they aren't idiots." I sat back up and wiped my nose with a handkerchief. "What do I really have to contribute to the Guild? From what Eli said, they need money … not more bodies to feed."

"You are special, and you know it. The way you find relics is like no one I've ever seen. I bet you'd have made them rich within a few months of working there."

"It's not like I could tell them I have a strange magic that lets me find relics, though, Sylvie."

She laughed, "I suppose not. Your neck is far too pretty for one of those disgusting collars, not to mention a King's mark! Oh, your poor pretty face. That tattoo is just … ugh." her shudder was palpable, and I tried not to laugh.

"None of those things are happening, though," I reassured her. "I get to stay here with you and Aunt Grace for a while longer. It'll be okay. Trust me."

Sylvie nodded. "Don't the Harlsteds have some contacts? Surely they could help you get in?"

I shook my head. "No. That door is closed for me. I'll just try Lady Frexin next. It'll be harder and more dangerous," Eli's words flitted through my mind, "but it would be something."

"Of course." Sylvie sniffled and grabbed a strand of my hair with her free hand. "Let's give you an amazing hairstyle, and then you can go see your friend and let him cheer you up." Her wink told me just how she expected him to help.

I rolled my eyes. Eli had kept to his word and there hadn't been any more almost-kisses since that one after the Overseeker visit.

She twirled strand after strand into a curly bun on the back of my skull, then stood back and smiled.

"It looks beautiful, as always," I said, then changed into a pair of britches, my blouse, and a corset. Sylvie just shook her head and went back to cleaning the dye out of my gown.

Eli really did owe her a sandwich.

He was waiting for me in the clearing, as usual. If I hurried, we could get a few hours of exploring the above-ground ruins before we had to return and work on the house's siding.

Yes. That sounded MUCH better than sitting around here and moping all day.

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