Chapter 24

Liam

Something was off.

Everything about what was going on seemed to be quiet. Too quiet for my liking, for my acceptance or understanding. And though I wanted to think that it was nothing that I should be worried about, I couldn't help it.

She was quiet. And after everything that went on, I knew that Alaria would not be quiet, even if it meant costing her own life for it.

Even now, standing on the balcony, I watched her move below in the courtyard, her hand resting on Anastasia’s shoulder, her eyes downcast but steady. She didn’t flinch at passing glances. She didn’t meet anyone’s gaze.

She didn't even seem to bother, though. I knew that just yesterday, not only was she concerned, but she was furious, livid even, about what Claire had said, about what she had heard about our argument.

Today she looked calm.

And I’d known her long enough to know that meant trouble.

I knew her long enough to know the wind. She was too c