Page 98 of Sinful Palace

“What?”

“The amethyst necklace story your mother just told us,” she said, eyes narrowing. “You know there’s no way she actually got that bruise from jewelry, right?”

“She said that’s how it happened. Why would she lie?”

“Are you kidding?”

I frowned. “She bruises easily,” I replied. “It’s just a little health issue she has. No big deal.”

Willow let out an exasperated sigh and rubbed her forehead. “Whatever. We’ll talk about it later, okay?” she said. “We need to get to Chloe while she’s still awake.”

“I know.” I pointed down the hall. “Third door on the left.”

When we arrived at Chloe’s new room, her day nurse greeted us at the door. “Hi, Logan,” she said with a bright smile. “You brought your fiancée! How lovely.”

“Yes. Willow, this is Eloise,” I said.

Willow gave the nurse a shy smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too, dearie. You’re even prettier in person!” Eloise turned her gaze back to me. “Chloe’s awake, so you’ve picked a good time to visit. Do you want some privacy?”

“Yes, please.”

“All right, I’ll get out of your hair for a while,” she said. “Press the call button on the side of the bed if you need me.”

She ducked out and quietly closed the door behind her. I looked over at Chloe on the other side of the room. Even though she was awake, she was a million miles away, staring vacantly at the wall.

“She looks so different now,” Willow said softly, eyes widening.

“I know.” I held out a hand. “Come on. Let’s see if this works.”

When we reached Chloe’s bedside, Willow glanced over at me. “What should I do?” she asked.

“Start by saying hi, I guess. See if that gets her attention.”

She looked back at my sister. “Hi, Chloe,” she said. “Do you remember me?”

Chloe didn’t move a muscle. She kept staring at the opposite wall, eyes flat and emotionless.

“Try saying your name,” I said. “And maybe talk a bit louder.”

“Okay.” Willow cleared her throat and raised her voice. “Chloe, it’s Willow. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here.”

Chloe slowly turned her head, following the sound of Willow’s voice until she was looking right at her. “Willow?” she said. It was like a light had suddenly switched on behind her eyes.

“Yes. It’s me. Willow Rhoades.”

My sister started blinking rapidly, hands trembling by her side. “Why… why….”

“Why what?” Willow asked gently.

Chloe’s body went rigid. “Why are you still here?” she managed to choke out. “I… I told you to run.”

“I will. I just need to know something first.”

“No. You should go,” Chloe whispered, eyelids fluttering. “Before it’s too late.”

Willow moved closer and tentatively took her hand. “Chloe, were you looking into the Order?”

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