Book 17: Like Grim Death

Posey

Roman’s departure wasn’t the least bit shocking. He hovered in the doorframe of my bedroom in the glare of morning light, posturing, refusing to make eye contact as he rattled off what was happening and his expectations of me in the meantime.

“It’ll be better for you to stay here. It’ll give you a chance to actually put forth an effort in your upcoming entrance exam, and I will finalize the details of your move to Moonrise while at home. You won’t have to worry about Mom and Dad’s feelings on the matter. You’ll be alone here. You’ll have all the time you need to prepare for this. To succeed.” His voice was monotone but firm–a silent warning, and honestly, a confirmation that he gets it now. Why I’m doing this. Why I have to go. Even if his reasons for being okay with it are entirely selfish and only about him and his precious future.

He sai