Theea
Yla
I let out a slow breath, the worst of the guilt starting to loosen its grip. Soh’s still sitting next to me, still joking—even with one eye swelling shut. I shake my head softly, giving her a sidelong glance.
“You’re nicer than I deserve,” I mutter, not dramatic about it—just honest.
And not just about the whole accidentally-punching-her thing. I rub my sore knuckle absently against my leg, watching the way the cool cloth shifts in her hand. I’ve already said thanks a hundred times that she’s letting me stay with her, so I’m trying not to annoy her with it.
I lean back against the wall beside her, exhaling a bit more of the tension.
“Flora is kind like you. When I met her in the Greatwood, I was kind of holding my breath.” A faint, wry smile touches my lips. “She’s this whirlwind, right? All brightness and confidence even when she was hurting. I wasn’t sure she’d even want to claim me as a cousin. But she didn’t hesitate.”
I glance at Soh again, and I give her a crooked smile.
“It’s just nice. Being around people who don’t make it complicated to figure out a new lifestyle. Everyone’s been welcoming.” A beat passes, then I tilt my head, genuinely curious. “What was it like, growing up in the Grounds? My mom was an Outlander, so all I have are her stories from when she was trapped there with the others. I’ve never really heard what it’s like from someone who actually grew up there.”
“You’re nicer than I deserve,” I mutter, not dramatic about it—just honest.
And not just about the whole accidentally-punching-her thing. I rub my sore knuckle absently against my leg, watching the way the cool cloth shifts in her hand. I’ve already said thanks a hundred times that she’s letting me stay with her, so I’m trying not to annoy her with it.
I lean back against the wall beside her, exhaling a bit more of the tension.
“Flora is kind like you. When I met her in the Greatwood, I was kind of holding my breath.” A faint, wry smile touches my lips. “She’s this whirlwind, right? All brightness and confidence even when she was hurting. I wasn’t sure she’d even want to claim me as a cousin. But she didn’t hesitate.”
I glance at Soh again, and I give her a crooked smile.
“It’s just nice. Being around people who don’t make it complicated to figure out a new lifestyle. Everyone’s been welcoming.” A beat passes, then I tilt my head, genuinely curious. “What was it like, growing up in the Grounds? My mom was an Outlander, so all I have are her stories from when she was trapped there with the others. I’ve never really heard what it’s like from someone who actually grew up there.”
let go of your fears, and jump into the river
as the starlight bleeds out, let it be your new route
as the starlight bleeds out, let it be your new route
