Page 105 of Secrets & Curses of Cerithia

“It was like our memories in Exile weren’t our own,” Kaz frowned at me from across the table. “Even now, we can’t remember what happened right before we went with you. I just know for certain that your father is a bastard.”

“We knew bits and pieces, but it all made Crimson look bad,” Kai frowned as he gave Kaz a pointed look. “We’ve never made it out of Exile in the past seven years. Now everything is so clear. Our families didn’t abandon or turn us in as we thought.”

“How are you doing?” Sybil looked at me with her motherly eyes. “Cassius filled us in on everything that’s been happening. He visits us often.”

“I’m doing better after today,” I smiled as I grabbed her hand. “I finally let Cassius explain everything. So, it’s less confusing, but still hard to piece together everything without my memories.”

Sybil glanced at the twins saying something without actually speaking. The twins frowned at me. My skin prickled because they looked concerned. Was this going to be about Cassius?

“Just say it. The silence is torturing me.” I pulled my hand from theirs and grabbed my hot mug of tea. The smell of chamomile did nothing to calm my nerves.

“When are you going to get the bloodstone?” Sybil was the one to ask. A sigh left me in relief.

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked with Cassius.”

She frowned sadly at me.

“He’s going to tell you to not get it.” Sybil sipped her tea. “He and I talked about it.”

“Well, that makes sense. We can just build a life starting now.”

Kaz was the one to grab my hand and squeeze it in comfort. The gesture did the opposite to calm my fears, though. He was not the gentle, calm one.

“No, you need to get it,” Kaz whispered. “You can’t fulfill the prophecy without it.”

I shook my head trying to understand.

“The prophecy hasn’t been fulfilled yet, and it won’t until you go for the stone. Do you want this to be our life for the rest of our existence?” Kai asked. “Every time you die, we will all be suckedback to Exile. Your father would never stop trying to kill you, us, Cassius.”

“Cassius doesn’t want to lose you, but if you don’t get the stone, we areallstuck living half-lives, you included. Do you want a life where you never remember anything from your past?”

I wanted to remember Cassius and me more than anything. But I also didn’t want to jeopardize our lives now. However, they were right. It wasn’t just me that was being affected by this curse. Everybody that really mattered to me was suffering through it as well. My eyes glanced at them; they were right. The prophecy hadn’t been fulfilled. Until I got rid of Jesper and my father, no one from Exile could live how they wanted. We would all constantly be hiding; Cassius would always be worried about me.

Another thought struck me then that seemed to pierce my heart straight through. We could never have children. They would never be safe. Cassius’ family would always be in danger. Tears formed in my eyes.

“You must retrieve your bloodstone. Not just for you and Cassius, but also for all of us who followed you to Exile to protect you,” Sybil sighed as tears ran down her cheeks. “It’s the only way that we can move on and truly be free.”

“I know,” I whispered. “But Cassius won’t understand.”

“Make him,” Kai pleaded. “We all have loved ones in Cerithia still being held hostage, so we can never have them. You can’t ask us to give up more than we already have.”

Hot tears streamed silently down my face. I couldn’t, wouldn’t ask them to give up more for me. Not when they had already done so much. They deserved their lives back and their loved ones. And I deserved to live with complete freedom.

“I owe you all so much. I promise I’ll go for the stone,” I said. A knock at the door sounded, making Sybil stand.

“Cassius.” She smiled at me. “He truly is such a wonderful man, Thea. By the gods, he fucking loves you.”

I smiled because Sybil never cursed. Cassius walked in the door as I wiped the tears from my face. He was holding a bouquet of wild flowers.

“I could feel how sad you felt,” he said, frowning as he leaned in and kissed me.

“It’s a lot to take in,” I answered. “I’m actually really tired.” I stood up. Worry overshadowed the happiness I had just felt. I knew I needed to get the bloodstone, but I wished I had more time with Cassius and the elite magic holders first.

“Are you sure?” Cassius frowned. “I wasn’t rushing you.”

Sybil stood up and smiled at me, giving me a hug, followed by the twins.

“We will catch up some more soon.” Sybil looked at me with guilt covering her features. I knew they didn't want to put me in this position, but it was inevitable.

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