Page 163 of The Sins of Silas

My face contorted in rage. “Why would you take her doll?!” The thought of Saoirse alone in the dirt without the one thing that brought her comfort had me shaking.

“Because we can never forget,” she cried softly, still holding the doll out for me. “Because she should be remembered. Now, and always.”

My lip trembled, my eyes slowly blinking as I beheld the doll. I finally lifted my hand, taking the doll from her.

Part of me wanted to do something reckless. Rip it out of anger, toss it as if I didn't care.

But I eventually nodded, eyes welling with tears as I took in the sight of her grave.

If you show any emotion, it will happen again.

As if reading my mind, hearing words that still plagued me, Lena whispered, “It is not a weakness to show emotion, Silas.”

My eyes sealed, and I released a frustrated sigh as my head fell forward. It was only a few moments of us standing in silence before I moved my feet, needing to be alone.

She really had no idea what had transpired to make me the way that I was.

Nor would she ever.

Chapter Forty-Five

MERRICK

The energy in the local tavern was obvious enough, even without using my power to sense the emotions rippling through the people.

The many Faltrunians sat at various tables and along the large square bar, keeping their heads low, nursing their drinks, and mumbling to those around them. Many of them wore frowns, and many of those frowns deepened when they watched me without a glamour weave my way through the space.

From the looks of it, no other Mage was in this place, but I was in desperate need of a drink and truly didn’t give a fuck.

Today had been brutal. Mage and Faltrunian alike were slaughtered in a battle that, in idealistic terms anyway, never should have happened.

While we did have access to the royal cellars, meaning unlimited booze, I noticed that Era had wandered to this place. I was intent on finding her.

I weaved my way to the bar, ignoring the glares and the occasional person baring their teeth at me. Sure enough, I noticed her familiar female figure sitting alone at the bar, wearing a long and tight red dress, two skinny straps holding the fabric up.

Era was staring off into space, holding a martini glass in her right hand as I approached her. I placed my hand on the back of her leather stool and gave her a small grin.

“Hey, you.”

Era angled her head back toward me. “Hey…” Her voice was soft and quiet, and her brown eyes were dimmed. She anxiously focused back on her drink.

I swallowed, attempting to ignore the attraction I felt toward her.

I still couldn't believe I had kissed her. I had healed her in silence after I pulled away, remaining in that room until the battle had ceased.

I wasn't sure how to even address what happened between us.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good as new.”

“I’m glad,” I said softly. “Where’s Silas?” I looked around the tavern to see if the dark-haired prince was anywhere to be found. I selfishly hoped he wasn't around.

Era sipped her drink. “He turned in early. Today was…” She sighed. “Today was a lot on him.”

That it was. Seeing him so torn up about a little Mage girl really showed us all that the Witch Slayer truly did have a heart after all.

I studied her beautiful form.

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