Page 95 of Façade

“I truly wish my suspicions had proved unfounded. I know the truth is causing you great pain.”

I barely heard him through the desire eclipsing my hurt just enough to compel me to follow Ryland. My newly returned magic prickled my skin in encouragement. Without conscious thought I heeded its silent plea, drawn by my unresolved questions of why Ryland, after having gained what he most coveted, had not only confessed his crime but returned the magic he desperately needed.

This curiosity urged me forward. Ryland was far enough ahead that he didn’t notice me following. He unconsciously led me to an abandoned section of the monastery. There I peered around a corner and discovered him in a secluded alcove. Whatever façade of calm he’d been able to maintain during his confession had entirely vanished, leaving an expression twisted in anguish. He paced the small space with agitated steps, his fingers burrowed in his hair as if he meant to yank it out.

His gaze suddenly snapped to the vial he still clung in a white-knuckled grip. He stared broodily at it before he flung it against the wall, smashing it; the sound of the shattering glass smothered my gasp of surprise. He glared at the broken glass with heaving breaths before he collapsed on a bench with a groan and buried his face in his hands. There he sat hunched over, burdened by his agony.

I watched him silently before my gaze took in the broken glass scattering the ground. Though nothing could change Ryland’s devastating betrayal, at least he could no longer steal my powers. Yet the assurance didn’t dispel the pain, a wound far too deep for me to even hope of it ever being healed.

CHAPTER31

Dawn tinged the horizon outside my window in hues of golden rose that provided just enough light for me to retrieve the satchel I’d packed the night before and tiptoe to the door. I inched it open to peer into the hallway to ensure it was abandoned…only to be greeted by Ryland waiting expectantly.

Upon seeing me he released a whooshing breath of relief. “Thank goodness you’re still here. I feared your emotions would cause you to do something reckless like venture off on your own.”

Did he truly have the gall to discuss the emotions he’d singlehandedly torn apart?

I hastily snapped the door shut and pressed my back to the smooth wood, fighting each frantic breath as my mind whirled. I hadn’t prepared my heart for the possibility I’d encounter the man who’d broken it; the pieces remained scattered, causing pain with each anxious throb.

For a moment there was only blessed silence…followed by Ryland’s familiar knock. I immediately hastened towards the bed to bury all signs of my impending departure beneath the pillows, the only hiding place I could think of midst my escalating anxiety.

I returned to the door and opened it a sliver, just enough for my voice to slip through. “I don’t wish to see you.”

His presence was especially unwanted now, reminiscent of the moment the previous day, just before his painful confession I’d do anything to forget. If my powers had been strong enough, I’d have turned back time to avoid this all-consuming heartache. All the more reason to keep him firmly on the other side of the door.

His expression remained closed off, a protective mask to whatever emotions he might truly be feeling, leaving me little satisfaction in knowing whether my words had hurt him, my petty revenge after the torment he’d inflicted upon my heart.

“I understand, but I feel obligated to impose my presence on you all the same. Might I come in?”

“Absolutely not.” I slammed it shut. Unfortunately, a closed door proved little deterrent for his determination. He knocked again, and kept knocking as I searched the room for another means of escape beyond subjecting myself to the presence of my former husband.

Silas paused in his assistance in helping me pack to watch with bemusement as I combed the walls on the off chance I discovered a secret passageway before I parted the curtains to peer out. Unfortunately, the room resided on the third floor with no nearby trees or convenient footholds, dismissing the possibility I could escape through the window.

“Please, Evie.” Ryland’s voice was muffled through the door but still distinguishable. “I have no intention of leaving until I speak with you.”

I could only think of one thing he wished to discuss, and the last thing I wanted was to revisit yesterday’s painful conversation and reopen the wound that felt nowhere near healing.

Rather than answer him, I craned my neck further out the window to gauge the distance between this room and the one beside mine, which was much closer to a tree whose branches would allow me to climb down to the ground below.

“I could pick the lock,” he offered. “A fitting gesture considering you yourself utilized that very method to snoop in my study. As much as I hate to infringe on your need for distance, I feel compelled to act before you do something as foolish as attempting to escape through the window.”

How unfortunate the man had come to know me so well. “I’d like to see you try.”

The sound of the picking lock immediately followed; naturally, the rogue took my statement as an invitation. Was he truly going to force his way in? It’d be the least of his offenses, yet the violation still stoked my simmering anger. It didn’t take long before the door swung open. I spun on him.

“Are you so determined to torture me that you’d infringe on my wishes for you to leave me—“ My angry retort faltered as I took in his travel clothes. “Are you going somewhere?”

“I’m compelled to make the same inquiry.” His gaze flickered to the bulge beneath my pillow, finding my satchel with little difficulty.

My shoulders slumped in defeat. “Drat.”

His mouth gave a subtle twitch, as if he ached to smile…but the impulse faded, leaving me to wonder whether I’d imagined it. Instead, disapproval pursed his lips. “You shouldn’t be traveling when you’re still recovering.”

“You’re in no position to offer unsolicited advice.” I narrowed my gaze, daring him to say another word, but he simply ducked his head in submissive acknowledgement that made it difficult to stubbornly cling to my grudge. I didn’t have the energy for an argument, one that would force me to interact with him longer than my anger warranted.

“Are you truly returning to Estoria?” At his inquiry I stiffened in surprise and he raised a dubious brow. “It wasn’t difficult to discern.”

I scowled. “I knew I should have awoken earlier.”

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