Avelisse never noticed the broken incense at the shrine.
As she returned to her room, she made a point to have a conversation with the young students once more. "I shall withdraw for a time. If anyone from the Cauldrake family comes, ask them to wait in the side chamber," she said.
Then she shut herself inside. Her meals and tea were left outside her door, untouched by any hand but hers.
*****
Seven days passed.
When she emerged, Avelisse was pale as parchment, her steps unsteady. She carried in her hands a carefully drawn charm, one meant to trade one life for another.
She opened the door, and found Theron waiting right there. Dark circles ringed his eyes. Stubble marked his jaw. His usually immaculate coat was creased and worn.
The moment he saw her, he rushed forward and pulled h
