![]() ![]() It’s not like me to break a promise to my sisters. I can’t help noticing the streak of scarlet on my right palm. “Maura knows you’re the oracle.” I wrap my arms around myself as if it will prevent me from flying into a thousand pieces. “You’re back! How did things go at Harwood? I’ve been so worried, I-” But I’m stiff in her arms, and she draws back, eyes fastened on my face. She must have been listening for the door. Tess runs down the hall, flinging herself at me. ![]() How can I go on without that? Without him? Our future has been the touchstone guiding me through this war the promise that at the end of it we’d be together has driven me forward, even when the odds against us felt insurmountable. Harwood is empty and Zara is dead and Finn won’t remember any of it, nor anything about us. My black cloak is dripping, but my eyes are dry. Inside the convent, I lean against the heavy wooden door. I cannot look at her scheming face one moment longer, or I will not be responsible for my actions. I LEAVE MAURA IN THE SWIRLING SNOW and ice. My sister stands on the sidewalk, eyes narrowed at Finn. His words echo in my head: I’m sorry, miss. He pauses, examining the carriage, looking as though he’s puzzled by it. He picks himself up, pokes his glasses into place, and walks back toward his carriage, but his gait lacks its usual gangly grace. Finn’s on his hands and knees he’s tripped over the curb. BRENNA IS DANCING UP THE MARBLE steps to the front door, and I’m following her when there’s a sound-flesh smacking against wet pavement-and I turn. ![]()
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