Helena drew a shuddering breath, looking away. “My father gave up everything so I could study at the Institute, but—it was—it was hard. I—I didn’t want him to know how hard it was.” There was a feeling like a stone lodged in her throat. “But I was—so afraid I’d fail and I—I didn’t know anyone. Luc could have been friends with anyone, but he picked me. I wouldn’t have had anyone without him.”
“So, what now?” Ferron said, straightening his coat, erasing the divots in the fabric where Helena’s fingers had crumpled it. “I’m your replacement Holdfast, is that it? If anyone makes the mistake of speaking to you, you can’t help but latch on to them?”
Helena shrank away, but Ferron wasn’t done. “Let me be very clear, then. I don’t want you. I never wanted you. I am not your friend. There is nothi
