WELCH

cent of old incense and Augusta's disdain hung in the air. My

ega from a disgraced pack

d by was a new twist of the knife. My mother was ill, and I was locked out, useless. I could

wo. Time stretched and warped in

gra stepped out. Her face was pale,

uch. "You know what to do. Three drops in warm water, twice a day. And ke

id, bowing her head. She turned and starte

ng look before shutting the door

"What did she say? What's in the p

"Augusta has given me a remedy. A mix of herbs. It wil

failed, she succeeded.

sing new feeling. A grudging respect. And something else. Guilt. My mother's col

ng out rougher than I intended.

it corridor. Her green eyes

oat. "I'm sorry" felt inadequate. "I was wrong" fel

eek out Augusta. I was... blinded by anger." It wasn't a f

. She wasn't expecting this. For a seco

t of me thought. Maybe we c

, a frantic voice called my name from

ndant. She was running toward

! She's crying... she says her heart

cold. The b

hattered. My duty, my responsibil

ced by that familiar, unreadable calm. Her eyes were like chi

r voice devoid of any emotion. It wa

down the hall towards Finley's room, le

I passed Allegra's room. The door was closed. Through the

saying. "He will always choose

ble insisted. "Secure his affection! Give h

to hear Allegra's response. Wanti

oice, cool and clear as a bell. "Fight for him?

door, my heart clenching in a way I didn't understand. She no