Page 47 of Shadow of Eternal Flames

“I hope you find a way,” she rasped.

“I hope you do too.” Protego cupped her cheeks and kissed her, soft and deep. She savored this moment, taking in the scent of pine and magic that lingered on him.

His touch faded, and Primrose opened her eyes to clouds of smokey shadow filling the air. She wafted through the smoke, desperately reaching for Protego, but found nothing. No one. She was alone in her room again. She felt as if she was the only person left in the entire realm.

Dropping to her knees, Primrose let out a loud, guttural sob, and her breaths became labored. Her cries ratcheted into the air, louder and louder, until she collapsed on the ground.

A knock sounded from outside her door, bringing Primrose back into consciousness. Her eyes were swollen, and her cheeks were still damp.

How many hours had it been since Protego left?

“Primrose, I made a healing potion for John-Edward. I wanted to know if you cared to join me in giving it to him,” Adora’s cheerful voice came from the other side.

“No, thank you,” she croaked.

“Your voice is hoarse. Would you like me to whip you up something to heal your throat?”

“No—”

Adora sighed. “Primrose, you can’t lock yourself in here forever. It’s been two days!”

Had it really been two days? Time seemed to still. Only an empty, hollow feeling lined her heart.

“Please, just go,” Primrose demanded, eyes stinging.

“I love you, goose.”

“I love you too,” she said. The words she had been too fearful of telling Protego. The words she so badly needed to say now.

Primrose shut her eyes as the tears fell once more.

Thump-thump. A slight thumping sound hit Primrose’s window from the outside. She let in a deep breath, outstretching her arms. Thump-thump, the sound came again. Primrose stood, her legs wobbling. She had only gotten up to drink water and relieve herself these last few days. Standing, she opened the curtains to see Sera and Haruka throwing pebbles at her window.

Thump-thump. They pelted them in sync, and Primrose watched as the two women smiled up at her. She could see their mouths moving but heard no sound. She opened the window.

“Primrose,” Haruka called out, voice elongated. “You’ve been in there fordays. We’re bored.”

“Pretty please!” Sera shouted.

“I’m fine,” Primrose said, voice cold. “Just let me be.”

“We can’t,” Haruka replied, scratching the back of her neck.

Primrose rolled her eyes, “What now?”

“Hugo Mercer’s ship is rumored to return tonight. He’ll visit any day now,” Haruka said.

Primrose slammed the window shut, closing the curtains. She placed her back against the wall and slid down, folding herself into a tight ball of despair. She thought she might cry, but the tears didn’t come.I’m so tired of crying.

Sera entered the room and kneeled down at Primrose. Gently grabbing her arms, Primrose’s cousin uncoiled her from her rolled-up position and helped her to stand.

“You need to eat,” Sera commanded. “You look sickly.”

Sera helped her get onto her feet and into bed. Sitting up, Primrose smiled.

“I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”

“You’re not a mess, and you don’t need to be sorry,” Sera said. “I’m going to go get you some food, and I’ll be right back.” Sera let go of her hand.

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