18
Tempestuous Natures
The incessant pecking of the bird against the tree at the base of the cave ripped Asherley from the best sleep of her life. At first, she thought it was another Ravenwood. They were the bane of her exile, perched in silent judgment as the long days turned to long nights. Saying nothing. Doing nothing.
She’d had some of the most wonderful dreams of her life, though they veered dangerously close to actual memories. Playing with the children and Byrne at Wildwood Falls. Standing at the shore with Byrne, toes buried in the cool sand, wondering what lay beyond the horizon. Her mind had encapsulated the happiest moments of her life, and then played them for her, reminding her of why she had taken this path.
Asherley groaned as Byrne’s smiling face faded to the sharp ic
