Page 203 of The Sins of Silas

I pictured the moment he dragged his tongue along my lips, licking up the icing from the cinnamon roll he bought me.

I pictured us in Amethyst Pond, the moment his arms went around me, the moment his lips touched mine for the first time.

I pictured our kiss, our hands nervously exploring each other's bodies.

I cried harder.

Oblivisci.

Oblivisci.

Oblivisci.

I pictured us making love the first time, how sweet and gentle he was with me, and pictured all the times after: at my home, in the forest, in the castle. So many times we found ourselves tangled with one another, hearts thundering against our pressed chests.

I pictured him telling me he loved me, kissing my face repeatedly, revealing how much he cherished my existence.

I heard his voice, his flirty words, him calling me Flower. It all felt like a dream, fuzzy and fading.

I felt myself slipping…as If I was about to fall into a deep sleep.

Oblivisci.

Oblivisci.

Oblivisci.

The pentagram began losing its glow, and as the spell reached completion, all those memories, all that pain…

It was all gone.

I woke up feeling slightly refreshed, but when I glanced out the window of my room while packing up my belongings, a heaviness filled my chest.

So many lives lost.

The Mages in captivity had been freed, but still, there was so much uncertainty. Indeed, there would be an uprisingat some point. The human citizens of this kingdom couldn’t erase their hate or prejudices over the course of a few days.

Fortunately, Torrin had a close relationship with Deana, the Mage taking leadership here. I trusted his judgment—trusted her—seeing how well she handled her fire when she acquired it.

We were preparing to move on to our last territory, Wrendier. I was thankful Dimitri hadn't destroyed our stuff and even more grateful our horses were left unharmed.

My eyes scrunched as I folded up my clothes. Last night was a total blur. I didn't even remember coming to my room and getting in bed. Perhaps all this violence was shrouding my memory.

Slinging my bag over my shoulder after securing my enchanted blade against my back, I left my room, sighing when I accepted it would be another handful of days before I could rest in an actual bed again.

Elowen and Edmund were leaving their room at the same time, and the healer gave me a gentle smile. She sure seemed more upbeat today compared to a few days ago.

I wondered who else was aware of her new ability.

I returned the smile just as Silas and Erabella left their room, all dressed and ready for our next journey. I noticed his eyes widen on me.

I narrowed my stare for a moment before looking away and striding forward.

Do I have something on my face? I didn't notice anything in the mirror earlier…

I heard hurried steps behind me, and as we all made it out the castle's front doors, a hand gripped my shoulder.

I rotated my head, noticing Silas's worried gaze as he held his hand in place.

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