Page 41 of Hollowed

“It’sall right,” he murmured, almost too quiet for me to hear, even on my hearing side.Henever looked in my direction, holding his focus on my parents with a feigned interest that would have fooled me hadInot known his true feelings. “Breathe.”

Doingas he bade,Ifocused on the feeling of the crisp air in my nostrils.Theworld faded from the rest of my senses.

Whenmy mother’s speech was finally over, she stepped back into the shadows beneath the oak tree next to my father.Icould see her lips moving, butIwas too far away to hear her now that she’d lowered her voice.Iwatched closely, trying to make out the words, searching for anything that might indicate what she was planning.

Atap on my shoulder made me jump, whirling to face whoever had touched me.Mybreath rushed out at the sight ofAlexanderlooking down at me, a half-smile on his lips.

“Iapologize for scaring you.Iwas speaking to you.”Hereached for my hand, pausing halfway. “MayI?”

Mycheeks heated asIoffered him my hand. “I’msorry.Whatdid you say?”

“Iam going to speak toBrom’sparents.Doyou want to come with me, or will you be fine alone for a moment?”

“I’llbe fine here,”Isaid, still a little breathless.Despitemy earlier desire to present a united front withAlexander,Ihad no desire—and no energy—to be aroundBromor his parents, and thoughIalso wasn’t keen on being alone in this sea of people who’d been ready to sacrifice me, it would be easier for me to fade into the background and study those around us.Belatedly,Iforced a smile on my lips. “Really,Iwill be fine by myself.”

Helooked at me for a moment, tilting his head slightly.Finally, he returned a single nod and released my hand, moving to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Verywell.I’llcome find you whenI’mfinished.”

Istood, watching his retreating figure, my cheek tingling where his hand had brushed against it, the ghost of his touch buzzing against my skin.Hepaused in front ofBromand his family, andIwatched as he introduced himself, my gaze focused on the broadness of his shoulders.

“Excuseme,” a voice said, eliciting a startled jump from me asIturned to my guest.

IchabodCranestood there, his eyes hopeful and bright.

Hebowed low before straightening and extending his hand. “Hello.Iwanted to introduce myself.I’mIchabodCrane.Iteach at the schoolhouse here and heard you and your husband will be joining our town.”

Iforced a smile and took his hand politely. “Hello.IamKatherineElizabeth.Myhusband just stepped away, but it’s nice to meet you.Haveyou lived here long?”

“Allmy life,” he said with a smile, tugging proudly on the lapels of his coat.Hisface turned somber, and he nodded toward my mother. “Isuppose you heardLoralai’sspeech?Whatdid you think of it?”

Myheart took off at a sprint.Becareful with your words,Katrina.Icleared my throat to disguise my hesitation. “Itwas interesting.I’venever heard of a sanctuary needing to sacrifice members of the community to ensure their safety.Dopeople truly think it’s an honor?”

Hebristled, clearly offended by my words. “Yes, of course.Oursanctuary differs from most,Isuppose, but yes.Thechosen, theRoghnaithe, feel honored to play their part in protecting our town and our people.”

“Really?”Imanaged to force out, hopefully feigning interest instead of letting my disgust bleed through.

“Quite,” he said.Hiseyes shifted, and he adjusted his coat again. “Infact, theElderschose one of my best friends this year.Anddespite her initial fear, she was happy to fulfill her duty to the town.”

Bilerose in my throat at the story he wove. “Isthat the unfortunate situation that was mentioned?Whathappened?”

Herubbed at the back of his neck. “Well, it’s not my place to say, truly.Myfriend allowed her fear in at first, but she quickly realized the town needed her sacrifice and honored it.”

Mystomach churned, acid coating my tongue as my vision blurred. “Excuseme,Ineed to go.”

Ididn’t hear what he said asIturned away, my eyes fixed onAlexanderasImoved closer to him.Thankfully, he was walking toward me and was alone.Nearlyrunning into him asIapproached, one of his hands caught my waist to steady me.

“What’swrong?” he asked, his eyes scanning the town square above my head.

“Ineed to get out of here,”Iwhispered, reaching down to tug onAlexander’sother hand.Myemotions were running rampant, swirling higher and higher inside my chest, andIfeared ifIdidn’t escape soon, they would explode.Ilooked up at him. “Please.”

Hehesitated for a moment, looking around at the crowd in front of us, his eyes flitting back and forth between the faces of all those in attendance.Finally, he turned his gaze to me.

“Allright,” he said, his face annoyingly passive as he studied me.Noddingpolitely at my parents, he put his hand on my back and guided me away from the crowd and back to the inn.

Onlyonce we’d reached our room did my body relax, no longer wound tight with anxiety.Thedoor shut behind us andAlexanderstood in the middle of the room for a moment, his back to me.Heturned and his eyes roved over my body, assessing, as if he were looking for a physical reason for my pain. “Areyou all right,Katrina?Whathappened?”

Itook a deep breath, the movement shuddering through my body.Mypalms were damp, and my cheeks burned asIadmitted my reason for leaving. “Igot overwhelmed.Ichabodstarted talking about me and saying things about my sacrifice, and it was just too much.”

Hisbrow furrowed and his mouth turned down, looking grim as he stared at me. “Thesurvival of this town is on the line.Weneeded to get more information tonight.”

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