Chapter 27

“I had a sister once. She died many years ago. You and your sister remind me of the way we were.” Vivian paused, smiling dryly at Maya. “I imagine that whatever I say to your sister will be repeated to you anyway. You might as well stay and hear it now.”

She turned and motioned to Avery. “Come here, girl.”

Avery stood in front of Tristan’s mother. Vivian reached out and pulled a strand of her hair free from her braid, rubbing it between her fingers.

“Sophia is right, you know. Your hair is very beautiful.”

“Thank you, m’lady.”

“I imagine it has brought you nothing but trouble and sorrow your entire life, has it not?”

Avery didn’t reply as Vivian continued to study her hair in the sunlight.

“Yet you wear it proudly. You choose not to cover it or perhaps cut it short so that the red is not as noticeable. I admire that. I do.”

She smiled and released Avery’s hair.

“My son is very taken with you. Tell me, was Sophia telling the truth