Page 104 of Born for Silk

But what can I do?

My throat tightens, and I’m desperate to go to her, stand by her side, but something has my feet rooted to the lush grass. I set my hand on my lower belly; it’s her or you…

Can you trust your Collective?

Rome finally looks at me—studies me—with a piercing blue gaze, eyes dark and intense, spearing through my thoughts.

Do you trust your Collective?

No.

He knows. I do not know how, but his understanding churns the air, building a tangible storm around us.

As the Guards usher her away, the other Silk Girls watch in horror until screeches echo through the skies above.

Only moments later, Odio’s wings umbrella me, painting the grass around my body with a black shadow.

The Silk Girls’ frightened gasps resonate as they field out and away from the descending giant eagle.

Odio lands hard. Separates me from everyone else. His black and silver feathers are fanned open and ruffled from the Redwind, mirroring Rome’s dishevelled appearance.

They have been travelling.

For how long?

Days? Since Paisley sent the message?

“Guard her, Odio,” Rome orders, and then turns to follow his men and Iris back into the Silk Girl Wing, leaving only a stirring silence in their wake.

In like a storm.

Away like a phantom.

Rome of The Strait.

I press my palm to my lower belly again, align myself with my Meaningful Purpose, and stare through the long window to watch the last whisper of Rome’s cloak disappear into the corridor.

Did I do this?

Manifest this?

How did he find out?

What did he find out?

Startled, I look at Odio as if for answers, and he stares straight back at me. Cocking his head, his sharp gaze locks on my belly. I touch the place that holds his attention.

“You know,” I mutter.

Unwavering from me, his nictitating membrane slides across his eye, presumably wiping the red dust from his glossy cornea.

“It isn’t leaving,” Daisy whispers. “Why isn’t it leaving?”

“Aster?” Blossom moves toward me, and Odio jerks his head in her direction, targeting her. “Woah.” Freezing her step, she raises her hands. “Aster? What do we do?”

I don’t know…

Through a long shuddering breath, I slowly walk toward them, with Odio’s eyes tracking my every step. “Easy, handsome boy. They are my friends. Companions. My Collective, Odio.”

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