Our war meeting finished, the others leave Syd and I alone for a moment, though by design or accident, I'm uncertain. My limbs tremble as she closes the distance between us, her face crumpling into hurt before she hugs me in fierce need.
Someone informed her of my captivity, that much is obvious. She doesn't whisper an apology or blame herself, but I know both run through her to the bottom of her soul. The Dumonts are witches, after all. But I can't allow her to shoulder a burden that's not hers.
"I'm here," I say softly in her ear, only for her hearing though the others have retreated far enough, backs to us, I know they can't discern my words. "And I'm safe." My arms tighten reflexively around her as she nods against my shoulder. "As for the rest, it will resolve itself someday, when t
