Page 5

Chapter Five

Annora

Birds chirp in a nearby tree as I stroll through my favorite stonecrop garden with Tahira later that day.

Earlier, I had sat in my room, feeling sorry for myself, but it didn’t take long for my mood to shift from despair to something harder, more resolute.

I knew if I stayed in my bedchamber, I would be a victim again.

And I refuse to be a victim again, caged again, helpless again.

My grandfather locked me up because of my scars. Then, I was stuck in Lyra’s body with no real voice or direction. Aleksander will not do the same thing to me.

“Oh, what’s that?” Tahira grabs my hand, her eyes wide as she inspects the turquoise ring on my finger.

I glance down at the ring Zerah gave me weeks ago in Sharhavva. She said it belonged to Jasce’s mother. Sometimes, I even imagine that it brings me closer to Jasce.

“Someone very kind gave it to me,” I say, choosing my words with care.

Tahira might not understand my attachment to Jasce’s younger sister, and I have been careful with what I say when I’m around her. The last thing I want is to upset her and drive a wedge between her and Asha.

The sun filters through the windows and glints in Tahira’s eyes as she grins. “Well, it’s lovely.”

“Thank you.”

As we settle on a bench nestled among the stonecrop, Tahira leans back, her face tilted toward the sky. “I’ve been speaking to this man. He’s tall and handsome.”

I smile. “Oh? Who?”

A blush stains her cheeks. “His name is Rami. He’s a Merchant Magnant, and he’s exceedingly wealthy. Even Asha approves of him.”

Of course she does.

He probably paid her to approve.

“How did you meet him?”

“At the market a month ago. He’s kind, funny, and smart.”

“He sounds amazing.”

Tahira plays with a leather cord tied around her pinky as she speaks. “He is.”

A pang of longing pierces my heart. It’s not that I’m not happy for Tahira—I truly am—but her words stir memories of Jasce.

“Annora? Are you all right?” Tahira asks as she bumps her arm against mine.

“I am,” I say automatically.

“No, you’re not.” The wind whispers through the trees and teases Tahira’s hair as she slides even closer to me on the bench.

“I know you miss your husband, and I know that you are trying to protect me, but I’m all grown up now, and I don’t need protecting anymore.

If you miss Jasce, tell me you miss him.

If you’re angry with Asha, tell me you’re angry.

If you want to stab Aleksander, tell me you want to stab him. ”

“Yes, I am angry. I miss my husband, and I would love to stab Aleksander.” It’s freeing to finally say the words out loud.

The lines near Tahira’s mouth deepen as she grins again. “I knew it. I was just waiting for you to admit the truth to me.”

“Oh, Tahira.” I squeeze her hand.

She lays her head on my shoulder. “It will be all right, Rora. We’ll get through this together.”