Chapter Nineteen
Taasheka awoke late, stretching in the bed, not knowing if she wanted to get up or remain in bed. Her rest had been peaceful, and progress was being made with Starlyn. Surely she wasn’t needed yet. She yawned, getting out of bed, knowing better. She set her kettle over a small fire in the kitchen to brew some tea. She would be late arriving, but Sophie would be there to take care of Starlyn.
When the whistle on the kettle began to blow, a knock at the door startled her. Her eyebrow rose as she scuffled to the door. Sophie stood on the other side with eyes wide and face ashen. Her mouth opened, but no words came, and her entire body trembled. Sophie’s skin was pale, and chill bumps covered her arms.
“Sophie, what is it? Is Starlyn all right?”
“She’s gone.” Her eyes wate
