Book 2: Numb

Estrella

I cling to the side of The Lady Suniva, listening to the birds’ jagged calls and the rhythmic thud, thud, thud of the various ropes and riggings against the wood of the boat itself on the final day of our journey home. On the ride over, I was horrifically seasick. The waves are so much larger than those in the placid pond Tess and I sometimes row around on. This time, though, the sea doesn’t touch me.

Nothing does. Ever since leaving Anwen sniveling on the floor like he had anything to be upset about, I’ve returned to the dull numbness that consumed me in the days following Father’s death. It’s as though I’ve died again. Or as though Anwen reanimated me in a facsimile of life, and now I’ve returned to my true self. There’s something peaceful in this, at least. I haven’t cried since that moment, either.

“We should see the coast soon.” Mother steps up beside me. “Do you feel ready?”

The sea air has returned a little more color to her c