Violet
Part of me hoped she wasn't lucid. That she would pass by without noticing, without stopping, without—
I tore the thought away, guilt twisting in my stomach.
How could I think that? How could I wish confusion on a woman who had shown me nothing but kindness?
I stood there, frozen, as her presence drew closer.
And then passed.
Her footsteps continued down the corridor, fading into the distance.
I exhaled slowly, my heart pounding.
She was gone.
I should have felt relieved. Instead, I just felt sad.
I hadn't even bothered to say goodbye to her or even thank her for that night. But I couldn't think about that now.
I had to go.
I extended my senses outward, searching for Bei. She was somewhere in the castle, her presence a steady hum at the edge of my awareness.
I was sorry I couldn't tell her. Sorry she would wake tomorrow to find me gone without a word. But if I told her, she would insist on coming. And I couldn't let her do that.
