Chapter 72: You Should Leave
"You mentioned having something for me," Grim said finally, his back still to Liona, his grip on Echo’s hilt white-knuckled.
The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Grim could hear Liona rise from her seat, her footsteps soft as she approached him. He tensed further, unsure of what to expect.
"Yes," she said, her voice closer now. "Something that was given to me by my mother."
Grim didn’t turn, afraid of what emotions might betray him if he faced her now. The revelation of her engagement to Max Luminaris had shaken him in ways he hadn’t anticipated, stirring feelings he didn’t think he had.
"You have no idea how painful it was," Liona continued, her voice softer. "When word came that your body was burned to a crisp..." She paused, and Grim could hear the emotion in her voice. "I didn’t believe it at first. I couldn’t. I waited for news.... any news.... that you had escaped."
[She’s closer now,] the voice observed unnecessarily. Grim could feel her presence just behind him.
"I cried for years, Grim," she admitted. "At the thought of you gone forever. I lit memorial lanterns every year on the anniversary."
To his shock, he felt her forehead come to rest against his back, between his shoulder blades. The simple contact sent a jolt through his body.
"I know you must think me foolish," she whispered against his shirt. "But I can’t help being happy that you’re safe now. Even with everything that’s happened, even with... what’s to come. I just want you to be careful so you don’t actually die this time."
Grim remained frozen, torn between pulling away and turning to face her. The voice was uncharacteristically silent, as if observing his internal struggle with unusual interest.
"Your life is only just beginning again," Liona said. "Please don’t throw it away in pursuit of vengeance."