Page 36 of The Hermit

Get up and face them for Ciara.

I climb to my feet and suck in a deep breath of air before I leave my room. I stop by Ciara’s bedroom, and after knocking, I push the door open.

When I don’t see her, I walk inside and check the bathroom.

“I swear, if they cornered her at dinner, I’ll kill them,” I growl as I rush out of her bedroom.

I race down the stairs, and as the foyer comes into view and I see Dad heading toward his office, I ask, “Where’s Ciara?”

He shrugs as he keeps walking. “Probably in her room. She also skipped dinner.” He pauses to glance at me. “It doesn’t help hiding. We’re finishing this conversation tonight, so tell her to come down.”

“She’s not there,” I say. “I just checked.”

Dad points toward the back of the house. “Maybe she’s outside.”

A heavy sigh escapes me for what feels like the hundredth time today. I head to the French doors, thinking there’s no way Ciara would risk running into Dominik.

Before I step out onto the veranda an uneasy feeling skitters down my spine, and spinning around, I rush back to herbedroom. Slamming the door open, I glance over her dressing table and other furniture.

When I see the folded piece of paper on her bed, the blood in my veins chills.

I dart forward and swiping it up off the covers, I quickly open it.

Grace,

I have to leave. Please don’t worry. It’s time for me to be the strong one.

I love you more than anything.

Ciara.

“No,” I gasp, my eyes flying over her neat handwriting again. “God, Ciara!”

I turn around and run to my bedroom, where my phone is lying on the windowsill by the armchair. I grab the device and quickly dial Ciara’s number.

The call connects, and it rings four times before it’s declined.

“Jesus, Ciara,” I cry while bringing up our chat.

Grace: Tell me where you are. I’ll join you.

It takes too long for my hammering heart for her to read the message.

Ciara: Please don’t be angry and understand it’s something I need to do on my own. I’m so thankful for everything you’ve done for me. I love you.

My lips part, and tears sting my eyes as I stare at her reply.

She left without me.

It hurts so much I drop the phone onto the floor while staring at the dark night outside my window.

Ciara left me behind.

I have no idea how much time passes before there’s a knock at my door. A moment later, I hear Maeve say, “Your father wants you and Ciara in his office.”

“I’m coming,” I whisper, my heart laying broken at my feet.

“Grace?” Maeve asks. “Are you okay?”

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