Page 201 of The Sins of Silas

The bars were still booming, and I could hear the ruckus even from here. If it were Era going out now, all alone, I’d be nervous. ButViola could rip off someone’s head. She could take care of herself amongst predators.

Viola responded, “Of course.”

Once the door was closed, Lena knelt on the ground. “We first have to draw this symbol on the floor,” her voice wobbled, fetching chalk that was tucked into her bra. She motioned for me to hand over the book, and I obliged.

“I’ll stand in it once it's done. We chantObliviscitogether and focus our illusion magic on the symbols.”

“If you’re having Vi get Dani, why do you even need me?”

Lena’s slim finger brushed the page and pointed to a specific text. “The spell castor must also know the memory that’s to be forgotten. Be thinking of it.”

And that’s when she told me everything. Told me of memories of her and Silas’s romance when they were young. Told me of their encounter in the tent. Told me of their encounter tonight.

“I know what you must be thinking of me…that I am a terrible person.”

Knowing my resentment toward my father was left unsaid. Vicsin was unfaithful to my mother, and it destroyed her.

I studied her, still trying to process it all. I felt my own anger, anger toward the situation, anger for Era. Even though I had kissed her, she was truly innocent in all of this.

But damn this gift, because I felt everything Lena did, too. I felt her shame. I felt her heartbreak. I felt her love for Silas, just as I had felt his love for her.

This situation wasn’t simple. It wasn’t black and white. Still, if I could help her forget, perhaps removing the temptation would help her heal. Help her focus.

Vi returned with Dani a few moments later. The Warlock’s blue gaze found Lena’s, her brows scrunching together.

“I just want to ensure Merrick does this spell properly.” Lena sniffed, handing DaniPotestas Verae Maleficis.

Her eyes shot wide, her gaze lifting to Lena. “Can I speak with Lena alone?”

“Pretty sure you can say anything around me,” I commented, toying with my piercing.

Lena nodded. “Merrick stays.”

Viola groaned, throwing her arms up. “Really? I have to leaveagain?”

“I’ll come fetch you right after, babe," Dani replied with a lazy smile.

I narrowed my eyes at her little nickname just as Vi rolled her own, exiting the room once more.

“So…” Dani drawled after the door shut, her eyebrow raised at Lena. “I can sayanythingin front of Merrick?”

“He knows everything about me,” Lena insisted. “He’s always safe.”

I felt warmth bloom in my chest from her comment, and Dani hesitantly lifted her eyes to mine before focusing on Lena again. “Why is it you want to erase your memories?Whichmemories?”

“Memories that are holding me back…distracting me.”

Dani's eyes constricted. “Is this about the Prince?”

Mine and Lena's eyes flared, shooting at each other. Lena scoffed, attempting to play it off. “What are you talking about?”

Dani rolled her eyes. “You and Silas are both terrible liars.” She plopped the book on the nightstand beside the bed and crossed her arms. “Let’s just say I’m an excellent reader of vibes and can tellwho it is people are truly desiring.” Her eyes slid to mine, and she gave me a knowing, fleeting look.

What the hell does she mean by that?

Before I could think more about it, she diverted her attention to Lena. “Look, clearly whatever happened tonight has both you and the Prince shaken up. I don’t think it’s healthy to go down this route.”

Lena’s lip curled. “I am not asking for your advice,” she damn near snarled.

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