A ceremony?
Glaide picks up Sabina as everyone makes their way down the hall. I hesitantly follow, still pieces things together, when Glaide turns back to me. “Clara, don't forget the bread.”
I jerk back. Bread? For what ceremony would I need bread?
I whirl my head around to a cabinet that has a basket of sourdough slices. I stare at it. It looks much like the bread Amias makes.
Bread… Pink and blue… ceremony… Amara flowers…
I approach the basket and notice a little pink note next to the slices. I narrow my eyes on it.
For the funeral. Do not Eat.
A gasp escapes me. A funeral? For whom?
Bread… Pink and Blue… ceremony… Amare flowers…
My stomach drops. Bread, pink, blue and amare flowers. They all have one thing in common.
My vision blurs.
This funeral is for Amias.
I mean who else could it be? The only ceremony when devastated people color coordinate is when they honor the colors that represent the dead.Amare flowers are pink. His eyes are blue.
I think back to the vision of Amias burning. Were they connected? They must be. There's no way Godusa would warn me about his death two days in a row if it weren't a dire situation.
But when does it happen? When do I need to be there to protect him?
As if to answer me, I catch the mutter of one of the counselors. “It's pretty fucked up to think he died on his birthday.”
My eyes widen. Today. At the castle. Today.
Oh fuck! How could I get into the castle without being noticed by Amara or Amorette? Why did Godusa have to askme?The one who's most likely to get killed?
Shit, does that mean Vasilisa will come? This is how Rayden died, isn't it? Fighting to ensure Lydia was safe, only to get backstabbed! What if that's what's waiting for me?
I attempt to catch my breath. Godusa is asking me because she knows I will protect him. If it really came down to Amias’ life, I'd do anything. He's the only friend I have now, and yet friend doesn't seem to fit the description enough.
I can't let him die. Not after all we’ve done for each other. Certainly not after I've saved his ass multiple times.
Not after he's accepted me here, and brought me so much joy in the time we've known each other.
It makes me wonder, why does she care if I save Amias?
I squeeze my eyes shut before opening them the cabinet full of pictures of the staff and kids at the orphanage. The basket had vanished.
Something tugs on my shirt, which is now my plain black tee again, and I look down to Sabina who's back in a pink dress. “Claree!”
I quickly grin at her to mask what had just happened. “Yes?”
“You're not paying attention!”
I nervously chuckle. “I apologize. What's happening?”
As she continues to talk, I can't help but drift off in focus. Amias could be dying tonight. How could I not?
I'm damn near guaranteed to be seen in a place where the Gift of Love is awaiting, ready to pop my head off.
