Page 3 of The Sins of Silas

My father studied me for a moment more before ultimately conceding. “Very well. See what you can discover, Silas.”

I gave him a grateful nod, then rushed to meet with the soldiers about to head out. After questioning a handful of men if there were any casualties and being provided no answer, I decided to remain silent.

Arming myself with my sword, I mounted Sable, my ebony horse, and made my way toward the Outer Ring.

A pit was in my chest the entire time.

It is some other house. It has to be.

I took slow and steady breaths, preparing myself as we turned the corner before Lena’s home.

And I nearly collapsed at the sight of her house.

No.

It was charred…burnt. Although citizens had successfully extinguished the fire, the smoke from the aftermath was still swirling toward the sky.

Instantly, I pulled the reins, squeezing my legs and pushing my hips forward to race my horse toward the house.

“Your Highness!” one of the soldiers called, but I ignored him.

She is alive. She must be alive.

I quickly scrambled off Sable and dashed up to the front door.

“You shouldn’t go in, Your Highness,” a soldier insisted as he halted me, holding his palms out. “It isn’t healthy to breathe in these fumes.”

“Out of my way,” I seethed, and the soldier’s eyes went wide. I was always a kind, respectful prince. I had never ordered anyone around.

He quickly nodded as he stepped out of my path.

I loosened a breath at the state of Lena’s living room and kitchen as I entered. The soldier handed me an oil lamp—the soot covering the walls, the windows, everything, made it so there was hardly any natural light.

Hold in the emotion. Don’t let them see.

I needed to ask if they survived. The soldiers here knew the answer. But the words wouldn’t come out.

I slowly crept toward Lena’s room, my heartbeat pounding against my chest.

Please…please…

The door was just slightly cracked. I froze for a moment, hand on the knob.

Please be okay…

Finally, I forced myself to step inside…and time stilled. A muffled cry left my lips when I saw what lay in her bed.

No.

“This is a hard sight for anyone to see, Your Highness.”

No. No. No.

He cleared his throat. “I insist, these fumes—”

“Leave me,” my voice cracked. “Shut the door behind me and leave.”

The soldier’s brow furrowed. “Your Highness—”

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