I averted my eyes. Helory always saw too much. It was her superpower, and my curse.
“What you deserve is a second chance, Baevera Eldareth.” The fight drained from her voice, her fingers threading through my hair. “And I hope that one day, your stepbrother will see that too. I hope one day, you will learn to forgive yourself too.”
My throat closed up. How could I ever? That was impossible.
Still, I gave her a small, weak smile. “Thank you, Hills. But, let us not discuss it anymore. I have made the deal. Ten years is barely a drop in the passage of time. I can do this.” I sniffled. “I may not be free from him once I have paid this debt, but at least it would lessen some of the guilt I feel. The burden would lighten. That is more than enough for me.”
She opened her mouth, but I pressed
