Chapter 118

Ronan’s POV

Mara’s note arrived the next evening. I read it once at the library table and again beside the wall where we had once placed our palms opposite each other. She had reached Black Hollow. She didn't want me to follow. She wanted an account.

The courier waited for a reply while I stood with the paper in my hand. I told him to warm himself at the kitchen fire; this would take time. He glanced toward the two saddled horses in the yard and then away. I had spent the day expecting Mara to return by the same road. I had even left the second horse ready under the pretense of a patrol. After reading her note, I went out and loosened both girths. Grimm followed me, puzzled by a departure we would not make.

Those were three distinct answers. The Crown tried to make the first one cancel the second: if she was safe, surely I could go to her and explain. Grimm stood