Page 6 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

Thea

Sybil and I sat in a comfortable silence the next afternoon in our small living space. Her sharp blue eyes glanced at me often, like she was waiting for something. Gods, it felt like she was worried I would combust or something.

“Is there something you want to talk about?” I smiled softly.

“You don’t remember very much,” she said after hesitating for a long moment.

“No one does.” I raised my dark brow at her.

Her frail hands twisted in her lap like she didn’t know what to say or how to say it to me. It made my chest tight and breathing difficult because she hadn’t looked like this, ever.

“You woke up one morning and you didn’t remember anything.” She looked back atme. “I know you’ve hidden it, but I just want you to know that I know you don’t remember all the years in Exile.”

Her features morphed into sadness. Relief that Sybil knew my secret filled me. But it twisted my heart to think that something was wrong with me or my mind.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything, but I was just trying to understand for myself.” I sighed and leaned closer to the small fire we had made. Watching the flames, something about it called out to me. The colors were so vibrant, and the heat of the fire made me feel calm. “The twins know I don’t remember either.”

“Yes, we’ve known that you couldn’t remember anything. You seemed more confused than I’ve ever seen you. Which concerns me.”

I frowned at her as she stood and walked toward the kitchen, but she paused with her back to me.

“Has he visited you in your dreams?”

My head snapped up to her.

“Do you know of him? How?” I stood up quickly. He wasn’t real.

“You had told me before. I was just curious if he was still around.” She looked over at me and frowned again, like she had so much more to say. I wish she would just tell me what was going on. I could help us out of here if I knew what was happening.

“He is a friend. No matter what happens, I want you to know that you can always trust him.” A small gasp escaped her as if she was in pain.

“He isn’t real.” I shook my head and sat back on the small bench. “I can’t remember him when I wake up, only his golden eyes.”

She smiled slightly at my comment.

“I’m sure he’s quite charming and handsome.” Her face looked as though she was thinking of a memory or a specific man.

“Why do I get the feeling that you and the twins know more than what you tell me?”

Sybil sighed before working on making bread again.

“I wish I could explain everything to you, Thea, but I cannot. One day you will remember, but until then, just know that the man in your dreams is important. He isalwaysthe right choice.”

Sybil gasped loudly in pain as soon as she said it. Her hands gripped the counter as agony took over her face. I rushed to her, but she insisted she was fine. My eyes drifted over her to see if she had wounded herself.

“Are you alright?” I asked worriedly.

Sybil finally sucked in a deep, shaky breath before looking at me.

“Yes, I said too much.” I wanted to ask her what she meant, but she spoke again. “Let's talk about something else.”

“No, I want to know what you do,” I demanded. I was so tired of not knowing anything.

“Thea, I can’t say much. The god, Mikel, forbade it. He tied our tongues with magic. I worry it will only confuse you more.” She seemed scared, but I was not letting this go.

“Sybil, you’re my family. What are you and the twins so scared to tell me? And what does the god, Mikel, have to do with this?”

“Thea, please.”

---