Page 272 of The Wishing Game

"Ze?"I call out in my mind, hoping he might hear me, perhaps even reply. "It was not my intention to hurt you. I will see you in three days."

Silence greets me. I release a heavy sigh. But just as I'm about to give up hope that he's going to acknowledge my words, his supercilious voice rings out in my mind.

"Nothing can hurt me, human. I do not share your feeble sensibilities,"he huffs.

A sad smile pulls at my lips.

"Of course," I readily reply."I apologize for merely implying that."

"Good," he says."Have a good sleep."And with that, he's gone from my mind.

Feeling a little better—though not by much—I head to my bed, drawing the covers aside and nestling between them. No matter what he says, I know hefeels, and perhaps he does not realize how much, but hecanhurt.

Turning on my side, I hug the pillow to my chest, closing my eyes as I seek the oblivion of sleep. Briefly, I wonder how Nikki is doing. Is he fine? Is he losing strength? It's been quite some time since I've last heard from him, and I cannot help but worry. Thus far, I've done my best not to dwell too much on his absences, but that doesn't mean I don't fear for him, or that my thoughts are not constantlywithhim. We might be in Aperion, but even this world is not safe from demon attacks. If he should happen to come across one and be absorbed...

My heart swells with pain in my chest, but I cannot let my thoughts wander there.

Warmth greets my back as strong arms hug me from behind. A familiar presence that quenches all doubts. I let out a deep sigh, letting myself go, knowing I'm safe in his arms.

The following day, I wake up to an invitation to tea from Wyn. After I dress up, I make my way to the conservatory where Wyn is waiting for me with a steaming pot of tea and two cups. The room is made entirely out of glass, with flowers of all colors hanging on the walls. There are also beds of flowers on each side of the room, while in the middle there's only a table with a couple of chairs and a comfortable-looking sofa. The table is a pastel blue while the chairs and the sofa are a light pink, the colors complementing each other. Everything is muted, letting the bold colors of the flowers stand out.

"Where's Thea?" I walk inside and take a seat next to her.

"She's meeting with Father." She sighs. "He's probably lecturing her again for missing all the balls this season. She usually goes to a few at least, to placate him. But I can't remember the last time she went to one."

"Is it truly so bad if neither of you marry?"

She gives me a sad smile, averting her gaze as she pours tea into the cups.

"After my parents hear that I will be joining the temple, they might be harsher to Thea. And I still have not told her about my plans..." She shakes her head. "It will be a mess. But once I take my vows, they will not be able to do anything for five hundred years. That should be enough for their anger to abate."

"What about your sister? Do you think she'll be fine with this?"

She purses her lips.

"I do not know. She always supports me in my endeavors, but... I'll just have to hope she will forgive me. It's very cowardly of me, isn't it? Running away like this and leaving my sister to fend for herself with our parents." She laughs nervously. "I've been thinking about it too, and Iknowit might not be the best choice. But as of now, it is the best choice for me."

"I can't make any judgments since I barely know your family. But what I do know is that your sister loves you. She would never want you to be unhappy. Which is why I have to ask... Do youreallywant to join the temple?" I ask.

Wyn brings her teacup to her lips, taking a small sip.

"I have to, don't I?"

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Wyn."

She smiles.

"What happened after I left? Was the high priestess mad that you broke the sphere?"

I raise a brow at her, recognizing her tactic.

"No. It turned out to be a mistake. She let me go easily," I lie.

Wyn tilts her head to the side, her expression telling me she doesn't buy my explanation.

"I know you cannot tell me the truth. But I have something for you," she says as she fishes a small letter from her reticule. It's smaller than the size of a mobile phone, and going by the worn edges and yellowed paper, it's an old one too.

"What is it?" I frown.

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