Book 9: Mate's Mark

Sydney

Mom watches me come back downstairs like she hasn’t moved from the steps in the grand foyer in the hour I’ve been in the orrery. The castle is quiet, but several eyes watch my progress in total silence. 

Mom’s housekeeper whispers something to a maid, who scurries away into the dark recesses of the castle. 

My mom grabs my arm as I pass her. I halt midstep. “What’s wrong?” she asks.

I shake my head, unable to find the words I need to convey the situation I’m in, that Sarah’s in. When I don’t say anything, she asks, “Did something happen?”

“I have it handled.”

“Can you tell me–”

“I can’t.” I meet her eyes. I won’t come between my parents. I can’t tell her about Sarah and the crushing truth I’ve learned. I can’t tell anyone else.

Because Sarah would be taken from me, separated from Blake, and probably brought to Eastonia, and I won’t allow it. 

Mom reaches up and cups my cheek. Every emotion r