Page 47 of A Love of Wrath and Rapture

“I heard you returned,” she says with relief. “I must have been out with the hunters when you got back, but by the gods am I glad to see you in one piece.”

I try to speak, but a sob bursts out of me, failing to be stifled.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” she asks.

“Sorry,” I say, wiping my eyes. “It’s just that you’re the first friendly face I’ve encountered all day.”

“Come with me,” Thea says. “Let’s walk and talk.”

We break away and begin a stroll along the enclosure of the settlement, where our only company is passing children. Thankfully, none of them bear the same feelings as the adult members of the tribes, and let me pass in peace, some of them even smiling at me.

“Tell me what’s up.”

I take a deep breath to calm myself and gather my thoughts.

“No one here seems to be glad I’m back. I mean, I know I was exiled and all, so a heroine’s welcome wasn’t what I was expecting, but it’s like my mere presence alone is an inconvenience to everyone.”

Thea nods, her head bobbing as she listens to every word of mine with intent.

“It seems to me that everyone is still upset about what you did.”

“I just wonder why. Can’t they see now I mean good? I brought them a protector and—” I stop, realizing I’m on the border of sounding crazy. “Sorry again, I’m just hurt. I just wish people would let go of their resentment.”

“It’s alright. You’re here now, that’s what matters. I think most villagers were just frightened by what you did, and maybe they need time to calm down.”

Though I’m aware she’s trying to make me see their side, it only adds to my fire of frustration.

“What about you?” I ask. “Need I win your heart back too?”

“I don’t share their feelings,” she says. “I was one of the few who disagreed with the council’s ruling, but we just got lost in the fray. I’m sorry, Evangeline.”

She lays a hand on my back and offers a reassuring smile. Such a small gesture of friendliness is almost overwhelming, letting loose another tear, one of relief this time.

“It’s fine, but I just wish everyone would give me a chance to redeem myself in their eyes. I can’t even find any work. How can I win everyone over if they won’t let me do any good?”

“You can help me out if you want,” she offers. “There’s always a task that needs doing around here.”

Thea takes me to her workstation, where I meet her group of like-minded young workers.

Most give me a warm welcome. Those who don’t work with me in silence, but their silence is better than outright disgust. I’ve got to work with it for now.

A few days pass as I work tirelessly. Each workday is a draining effort of doing everything I can, all with a smile on my face. It's the hardest to wear when I feel like crying, but I don’t want to give these people any more reason to doubt me.

Retreating to Xeros each night is my only release. I find resonance in his company, he knows better than me the struggles of being accepted into the community.

Today, I’m working with Thea to cook lunch for the settlement. Our preparation started early in the morning, and by noon, I’m already tired with sweat and a sore body.

“I could do with a break,” I whisper.

“Go ahead and take one,” Thea says. “Would you mind bringing this to the guards at the gate first?”

I take the tray of food and am off on my way. As usual, I’m met with sidelong glances of disapproval.

But nothing could have prepared me for crossing paths with Renee, the woman responsible for my ousting.

I see her coming my way, and I know for a fact she’s noticed me, obvious by the initial glare of surprise in her eye.

Do I say something? Should I swallow my pride and try to say hello?

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