5

 

My sister did not meet me for lunch as her note had said. I didn’t want to brood alone in my small room and couldn’t visit my mother, so I spent my afternoon in the village. The late day sun angled shadows along the wood boardwalk and the sweeping arch of the streetlamps carved the village into sunlit sections.

I had forgotten how quickly late summer cooled. Scents floated to me on the wind—sweet treats and grilled meat. Door chimes jangled as tourists wandered along the cobblestone street, their bags heavy with prizes found at the shops. Some looked at the clothes of the Romany with fascination, as if we were part of a cast of characters here on Noble. Others skirted away, obviously suspicious of our people. It had always been so on Noble, an uneasy truce.

I ate a traditional stew in the small café near the post office and strolled along the less popular shops at the end of the cobblestones before the sand. Kites and wind chimes fluttered in the growing wind, and I stood at a display watching the whirling ribbons dance.

“I am sorry about this morning,” a voice behind me said softly.

I gasped, turning to face the smile of an old friend.

“Talia!” I hugged her, relief flooding me.

“I should have greeted you. I should have waved back, but I didn’t…” her voice trailed off. “I am sorry. I should not have let my fiancé keep me from being kind to a friend.”

“You’re here now. That’s what counts.” I tugged on her chestnut braid. “How have you been? You said fiancé?”

“I am well,” she smiled with flushed cheeks, and I raised a brow. “Yes, I am to be married in the winter.”

“Who is the lucky boy who finally snagged your attention?”

She looked at me with bright eyes, her expression so hopeful. “Luka.”

“Our Luka?” I was surprised. A friend since childhood, our sweet, mop-haired Luka often suffered at the hands of the more athletic boys, but took it in stride.

“Yes he is…I mean, we are going to travel to Idaho. He has family there.”

“So you two are close,” I smiled, happy for her. “That’s wonderful.”

Talia’s face fell, and she took my hand and led me to the edge of the storefront near the railing. “He was upset over your return, and it was for that reason that I did not greet you, please forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive. I understand,” I said over the lump in my throat. “I didn’t leave here on good terms.”

“While I do remember how you left,” Her expression softened. “I also remember your kindness to our family when my mother was ill. Our loss was yours, too.”

I nodded, squeezing her hand. “I missed you,” I said and meant it. “I just…I couldn’t think about anything or anyone here without falling apart.”

“I know.” She squeezed my hand back. “The letters you sent your mother, she tells us how you are doing. Not everyone thinks you are so bad, Raven. Some of us understand.”

“T—Thank you, Talia,” I said, and my voice cracked. “It means so much for me to know that.”

She nodded. “You are not alone here on Noble, old friend. Do not forget that.”

I smiled and accepted her hug, the tightness in my chest loosening a bit.

“Talia.” I hesitated, debating. “What do you know about my sister and Niklos.”

“Prevaté?” She tilted her head, a look of surprise on her face. “Niklos Prevaté and your sister?”

I nodded.

“Nothing. Were they together?”

“Yes. Sonja said they were to be married, but now he’s gone missing.”

“Huh.” Talia made a face. “That explains it.”

“What?”

“Mrs. Prevaté ordered teas and herbs from the apothecary. Nalla said she never came for them.”

I bit my lip, thinking. Nalla’s family catered mostly to the wandering tourists hungry for authentic “old world tinctures”, but she did do some business with the families.

“Would she speak with me about it?”

“She may. There was a run-in last year with the Hale family. Not many people have treated her the same since.” Talia’s face reddened. “Including me. She’s suffered a lot of loss, but I think…I think a visit from you would be welcome.”

“Maybe I’ll speak with her later.” Something occurred to me. “That is the second time in two days I’ve heard the name Hale.” I looked at her, perplexed.

The Hales lived in a mansion near Shadow Bay. My cousin, Amanna, had been Simon Hale’s wife before her death. Ruled an accident, there were rumors of dark deeds by the Hale family. Remembering Siyah’s words from earlier that they are trying to make amends, my stomach flopped. What did that mean, exactly, and what did it have to do with Siyah? “Do you know what that’s about?”

“No, I’m sorry,” Talia shrugged. “With all of the preparations with Luka and our wedding, I have not paid attention to much of anything lately.” A light rain dotted the plank walkway and Talia looked up. “I am so happy to see you again, Raven. Are you coming to the fire in two days?”

My stomach flopped. I had forgotten that it would be Saturday soon. A bonfire would be held on the beaches of Echo Cliffs.

“I–I don’t think so.” I hugged myself as a chilled wind swept over us.

“Please come,” Talia said, her face sincere. “You have friends here still, Raven. And despite your absence or what was said of you, no one can deny that you are blood.”

“I’ll think about it,” I promised her.

“It could be like it was.” She held my gaze. “Just come, OK?”

“Maybe.” I hedged and crossed my arms, suddenly tense.

Satisfied, she gave me a final nod before hurrying into the rain and down the road. I watched her leave and tried to ignore the worry needling me. The bonfire was a time for friendship and family. I couldn’t remember a time there was a fire and I didn’t huddle in the warmth of Siyah’s arms. The last one I’d been to was the night I left Noble. The night I’d left Siyah.

A lump squeezed my throat, and the tears I’d fought so hard to smother threatened.

I flashed on that terrible moment. That one decision. I remembered the pain searing across Siyah’s eyes, the tightness to his jaw as he struggled to control the anguish I saw on his gorgeous face. He’d asked me to stay, to believe in him once more.

Instead, I ran, leaving our crushed future in my wake.

No, it could never be like it was.