Page 87 of The Sorrow of Shadows

I oblige her and roll back to my side, wrapping her tightly into my chest.

“Every time I close my eyes, I see him. His lifeless eyes stare back into mine, his head laying on the velvet pillow of that damn box.”

I’m unsure if she’s done, so I stay quiet, giving her time to decide.

“I can still see every part of him in vivid detail. Sometimes, Iswear it looks like his face moves, his lips twitching as they try to talk to me.”

“What do you think he’s trying to tell you?”

“The dead don’t speak, Aurelius.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“No. I’m not sure about anything, anymore.”

My chest tightens at her pain and uncertainty. I want to take it away, make it all okay. But that’s not my job; it’s hers. I can be her support, but only she can fight this battle.

“Is it always the same?”

“No,” she says, her voice coming out softly.

“Do you want to talk about that?”

“Not tonight.”

“What do you need?”

“Just hold me and chase away my nightmares.”

“Always,” I promise and mean it with my whole being.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

OPHELIA

“She won’t eat, Elijah.” What I’m telling him isn’t new information, but it’s been three days since Jade has had anything to eat, and she won’t leave her chambers. It’s like she’s shut down entirely.

She lost her twin, the other half of her heart. I can’t say I understand how she’s feeling exactly, but I do feel for her. If I lost Layne, I would probably react the same way. He was the only family I really cared for and that loved me. Though we weren’t twins, he was my best friend, and I would be heartbroken if he was gone. I don’t know how to reach her. I promised Breyla I would watch over Jade in her absence, but I am failing miserably.

“You just aren’t using the right tactic. You’re far too sweet, but tenderness will not motivate Jade to respond.”

“Then what will?” I ask, at my wit’s end.

“Anger, more than likely.”

“You want me to make her mad?” I ask in horror.

“Nah, doll. I want you to get me chocolate cake from the kitchen, then let me make her mad.”

We’ve been sitting in the castle library all morning, mostly reading to ourselves, just enjoying each other’s company. The castle has been quiet with Breyla and Aurelius gone, leaving very little for us to attend to.

“Why chocolate cake?”

“That’s Jade’s weakness. If she’ll break for anything, it’ll be that.”

“You know so much about your friends,” I observe.

“Of course I do. They’re my family.” He shrugs as if it’s obvious.

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