The ground of the forest is ripe with fragrant fruit, with earth.
The kiss of the wind is your embrace.
The glow of the fire, the rebirth of the rosy dawn.
It is all yours, if you want it.
I come before you to bow before life everlasting.
I kneel to nature.
Together, we turn our eyes to one another,
the goddess surrounding all of us here tonight.
Nature is a refuge for the weary heart.
A balm to our bruised breasts.
Her hands will cool your fevered brow,
and offer gentle silence for the troubled soul.
I set the crumpled piece of notebook paper down. My nails have dried blood over them, and when I look at Benedict’s face—his strong jaw and furrowed brows—all I can see is a boy who still carries around a poem written by his mother.
A poem that became the basis for Blackfriars meetings.
A poem that was wielded like a weapon, used to ensure that no more harm would come to anyone else from these Directors. A poem he took with him when he knew what would happen, what he would endure.
He couldn’t protect his mother, and he couldn’t protect me. We both suffered. And he used us both to fuel his retribution.
Her in his pocket—and me in his heart.
Everything Changed
Benedict Martin
Edinburgh,Present
When I come to, I see Lily slouched on the sofa next to me, the machines by my side beeping incessantly. It doesn’t surprise me that she’s here. She looks tired—still beautiful, but weary in a way, which I know has something to do with me. I try to sit up a bit, and the noise causes her to startle awake.
“Hey, you,” she breathes, rushing over to me. “Evelyn went to grab us some coffee.” She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. “Ugh. I was drooling.”
I laugh, but the movement is too painful, so I smile and wince. “How long have I been out?”
She shrugs, stretching. “A day or so. I flew in this morning.” Her cat-like eyes find mine—the green penetrating me in a way that always felt intimidating. She presses her lips together. “Were you ever going to tell me about this Brotherhood thing?” she asks, her voice soft.
I look at my blanket—light blue with a woven texture—caressing the thick fabric as I ponder how to tell her everything. I kept this from her and Salem, and I put Evelyn in danger. Not only are they my closest friends outside of Hayes, but I put ourotherfriend in danger—the one we all promised to keep safe. The woman I love—the woman who lovesme.
I love you, Benedict Martin.
“I guess I wanted to wait and see if this would work.” I look for my phone, wondering if Hayes has any updates.
“That blond, brooding guy was already here. They detained all of them—all twenty-two commanders or whatever they’re called. And the people in the church. The other twenty-three sacrifices.” She’s quiet for a second. “You did a good thing—a brave thing. I hope you know that. They’re all safe because of you.”
I nod. “I’m glad all of this wasn’t for nothing,” I joke, showing her my bandaged hands. She winces.
“Yikes.”
