Page 256 of The Sins of Silas

Valter had managed to calm me down, saying we would figure out more tomorrow after we had a look into Igon's memories.

The ball was nearing its end, so after seeing how much dessert still remained, I scurried over and began helping myself.

My Gods, these treats are divine.

I heard Torrin’s voice from behind. “No surprise you’re hogging the dessert table.”

I turned with my mouth full to see Torrin grinning at me.

I raised a brow, then swallowed. “You aren't doing your job protecting them from mygaping mouth.”

Torrin chuckled, the sound giving me goosebumps. “I really was smooth back then, wasn't I?”

I giggled, and Torrin held out his hand.

Hiseyes were gentle as he asked, “Dance with me?”

I smiled, immediately grasping his hand with mine. We strode to the dance floor, only a handful of couples left. Then, we began swaying to the calm music that played.

“Remember how petrified you were when I asked you to dance?” I laughed. “I still remember the bewilderment on your face.”

Torrin's cheeks flushed just like they did all those years ago. “I wasn't petrified,” he began, then chuckled. “Okay, fine. I was nervous.”

“Why? You were clearly the better dancer, just as you are now.” I smirked. “You sure loved rubbing it in my face.”

His smile slowly began to drop, and that's when I knew.

“Yes,” he admitted quietly, having read my mind. “I had feelings for you, even back then.”

My throat burned as I rested my head against his chest, feeling his heart pounding.

“You might recall that I developed feelings for you that evening as well,” I murmured.

He rested his head against mine as we continued to move slowly. “You thought I was attractive that evening. Your feelings didn't develop until later.”

When I tilted my head up at him, he was smiling, though I could see the pain that shone in his eyes.

“I will always love you, you know that, right?” I whispered.

He leaned down, kissing the top of my head. “And I will always love you,” he promised.

I spent the rest of the night dancing slowly in his arms, wishing I could offer him more…but accepting that it was the end of our romance.

I tried my best to get a good night's rest, but the anticipation of seeing inside of Igon's head kept me up longer than I'd like.

The walk to the temple was a half-day journey. We'd taken one break in between and eaten a small lunch, and as we began to see the building in the distance, I realized it looked identical to Temple Celluna.

I gazed at the bronze object, rotating it in my hand, staring at the pelican on its back while our group waited for Kismet to lead us inside Temple Tithara, along with Valter, who wished to see the memories as well.

Silas wandered up to my side. “How are you feeling?”

“Nervous. Excited. Scared.” I ran my tongue along my teeth. “What if he saw our doom? What if I see one of us die, knowing there is nothing I can do?”

Torrin walked up to me, standing at my other side. “We have all lived thus far.”

“And suffered,” I whispered.

He smiled sadly just as Kismet approached. “The Chamber is beneath the temple—underwater. There is a passage beneath that will take us there,” Kismet informed us as we entered the building.

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