Page 101 of A Conduit of Light
“I…Ineed some time alone.Tothink.”Hervoice left her lips monotone, empty of emotion.
“Alright.I’llgo.”
“No.I’llgo.I—Ineed to walk.”
Sherose from her chair and swept past him, careful not to touch him.Shecould not touch him.She’dnever touch him again.
“I’llsee you at dinner?” he called, watching her leave, his voice hopeful.
“Yes.I’llsee you…”
Sheopened the door and shut it quickly behind her before the tears fell, beforeshefell to the floor, covering her mouth so that the sound of her sobs could not reach him.
Chapter46
Sylva
“Iwas onlyable to save part of this one.”
Sylvahanded his journal over, its pages charred black, but some of the entries were still readable.
“Atleast you were able to do that.Wasanything else burned?”
“Justthe journals.AndIbelieve she broke your favorite decanter.Iam so sorry.Ifelt likeIhad to.Iknow you planned forRevichto see them after your death.AndIshould have been more careful with my journal, but,Ithought you were…”
“Itis alright,Sylva, dear.Youdid your best.Wedid not count on the pieces falling together for her so quickly.”
“Sheis cleverer thanIrealized—and more willing to connive as well.Doyou think she has told him already?”
“Iwould guess so.Isuspect the two of them will burst into my rooms any moment now.”
“Withhand ties?”
Helaughed heartily, shifting his cloak up on his shoulders.
“Howwill you get her to go with you to theBlightnow?”
“Easy.I’lltell her the truth.”
“Oh, my darling, she will never believe you.”
“Ah, but you have helped on that front,Sylva, darling.Thereis proof in my journal thatIdo not lie.WhywouldIwrite lies in my journal, believing she would never find them?Look, here.”
Heopened the blackened pages and pointed to a more recent entry, one written not long afterRevichandKarus’srelationship had steered toward romance.
“Idon’t like where this is going.Iknow he’s likely to give up everything for her and that cannot be.
Herpurpose is elsewhere.Sheis needed for something far more important than holdingRevich’sheart.
Andhis heart bleeds.Profusely.Likea wound that has never healed.
Igave him everything.Savedhim, gave him purpose in life and natural talents, and still, he wants more.He’salways wanting more.Iam afraid it will one day be his downfall.
Iam afraid of whatIleave behind and wonder if he is up for the challenge ofBaronhoodas it has been for centuries.
ButIneeded him.
Icould not find her, hidden as she was somewhere on the isle.Buther forthcoming was told to me in whispers among the trees, upon the wind across my cheeks.
