Book 17: We Have to Go Together

Posey

The sun sets over the mountains when Aris returns. His shadows pierce the bright pink light of the alpine glow, his boots moving across the floor, disrupting the stillness that’s been enveloping me for hours.

I've been sitting in the same position since he left, dressed in the same thin nightgown, holding the mask in my hands. I’ve been in a trance, letting my powers dance in a way they never have while inspecting and investigating every groove and divot, every master’s brush of hot iron and alloys to strengthen the mask.

Whatever I do, I can’t think about my current situation. I’ll fall apart. Falling apart means losing my grip on reality, and if I lose that…

“Posey.”

I look up. My eyes feel dry and scratchy. I’m not sure I’ve blinked since he left… hours ago.