Page 9 of Hidden

“Trin was sobbing. Dara was not pleased when I was announced. I almost feel bad for her, having to go without these incredible hands you have.”

Eln winces. “Yes, we got lucky.”

“Why do you wince?”

“I guess I might feel a little sorry for her too. I think she truly liked me.”

“You’re beautiful and wonderful to be with. Of course she truly liked you. I’m glad we didn’t have to test the theory that you’d remain mine even if she had been chosen.”

Eln doesn’t say anything, continuing to focus on easing my feet.

I watch her for a minute, trying to figure out why she seems reserved about this topic. “Did you…like it?”

A faint blush tinges her cheeks, and she shakes her head, but there’s a pause first. “No. You know it’s only you for me, Calai.”

I thought it was. But something about this conversation isn’t sitting right with me. I pull my feet back and tuck them underneath me, halting her hands with my own. “Did you…never mind. That’s crazy talk. Forget it.”

Eln bites her lip. “I might as well tell you. She kissed me a few times.”

“Excuse me? And you’re just telling me this now? When?”

“Months ago. And then again last week.”

I stare, open-mouthed.Myheart, kissing someone else? If I wasn’t so far removed from the compound, I feel as if I might fly into a rage and try and settle this with Dara. Even if Eln is already mine.

“You stopped her, right?”

“Erm, yeah, of course.” So why is she still blushing so hard? “This talk bores me. Let’s go sit outside and admire the view without all the other people and walls blocking us. That’s why we’re here, after all.”

Eln gets up and goes to the porch, but I can’t make myself leave from this darker, smaller space. “You go ahead. I’m much too comfortable to move just yet.”

I watch as she sends me a smile, which doesn’t feel as genuine as normal, and settles on the small, slatted porch, staring out at the trees and the sky. I don’t know why I’m doubting her right now, we’ve always been solid. And it’s not like it matters if she has a small crush on someone else, because she’s already been confirmed asmycompanion. I’ve already won. So why does it feel like I won falsely?

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