Page 76 of Daughter of the Serpent

Sylvie's eyes filled with tears, unable to keep them from spilling. “I’m so sorry Tara, I am so sorry…I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“You had warned me that being your friend would have its consequences, but I never imagined…this.” Tears fell free, her sorrow and anger intermingling.

Sylvie’s heart rang out, pain bubbling to the surface, her stomach instantly sick. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the chasm that had grown between them. But Tara's defensive posture, the way she pulled away, made it clear that now wasn't the time.

“If you had just let things be, none of this would have happened!” Tara cried. “They ruined me. My reputation is spoiled. No man will desire me as their counterpart.”

“Tara, no.” Sylvie tried to console her. “You will heal, and the people do not blame you - they blameme.Iam the one who has caused this.”

“I am not meant for this world, Sylvie.” Tara sobbed. “I am not like you, I am not strong. I cannot bear this - my beauty, my reputation….it’s all I had!”

“That is not true,” Sylvie tried to console her, “You are so much more than that.”

Tara's eyes met hers, a storm of emotions swirling within. For a fleeting moment, Sylvie thought she saw a hint of vulnerability, a crack in Tara's armor. But just as quickly, it vanished.

"I don’t know if I will be able to forgive you for what you have done." Tara said dismissively, rising from the bed. “I will need time.”

“I understand,” Sylvie nodded somberly. “I don’t expect you to forgive me now, just please know I have only ever done everything I could to protect you, to keep you safe…”

“Stop protecting me, Sylvie.” Tara dismissed, her eyes now a river of anger.

“The only thing I need protection from now - isyou.”

As darkness cloaked the temple grounds, Sylvie slipped away from the vigilant eyes of the guards, her steps silent against the forest floor. She weaved through the dense foliage, guided only by the occasional sliver of moonlight that filtered through the trees above. The air was thick with the scent of pine and salt, a comforting and familiar embrace as she neared the rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean. Breathing in the crisp night air, Sylvie exhaled a heavy sigh, feeling the welcome relief of reaching her favorite resting place.

After her conversation with Tara, she needed to get away - anywhere, as long as it was far from the temple walls.

It didn’t matter that her body ached, every muscle burning after another grueling session with Axel. Or that her mind was frayed from hours spent poring over old scrolls, dissecting Mardovian battle tactics with Godvick. Or that she felt emptied, like a vessel long since poured dry.

She couldn’t stay in her quarters a moment longer.

The walls pressed in, heavy and suffocating, trapping her with thoughts she couldn’t outrun - thoughts that gnawed at her, restless and relentless, thick with guilt.

Even knowing the risk of slipping away alone, beyond the temple’s watchful eye, she found herself moving. Her mind, her body, her soul seeming to ache for nature - for her welcome solace.

As she reached the cliff’s edge she drew in a deep breath, letting the night fill her lungs. The crisp air, thick with salt, clung to her skin, the ocean spray cool against her face. Droplets kissed her cheeks, sharp and biting, but she welcomed them. Relished them. Anything to anchor her, to still the storm of her restless thoughts. Yet even the embrace of the sea, the forest - couldn’t stop the tears from freelyflowing down her face, now that she was finally alone. Finally free to feel.

She may have just lost one of her only friends.

Her heart thrashed in her chest.

If only she had refused Tara that night. If only they had stayed within the temple walls. If only they had obeyed, done as they should.

If only her wretched, traitorous heart hadn’t craved its freedom.

Tara would have been safe.

Yet it all seemed hopeless. Tara was already suspected of being her accomplice, and the people were cruel and unforgiving. Even still, she could only hope that Tara’s beauty and likability would be her saving grace now. If she could convince them that she was persuaded, under magical influence, she may be free of their judgment - she may yet be able to live a good life.

But as for her? Judgment was already passed.

Between what had happened at the rebirth celebrations and now the rune casting - the people’s opinions were clear.

Her heart shuttered.

Did everyone believe her to be so capable of evil?

She supposed it shouldn’t have come as such a surprise, and yet - the blow to her esteem still landed swift and true. She had been the unclaimed daughter of Lafar, the great deceiver, the god of darkness itself - and yet, she had never believed it to be so….until now.

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