219

MAXINE

“Zel!” I rushed forward.

The moment she stood up, I enveloped her in a tight hug. I held her close, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered, as I pulled away to get a good look at her.

She was wearing a simple dress. And she looked thinner. I felt a pang of guilt. My fault. Her eyes were bright and they were full of life. She hadn't given up hope yet.

“I missed you too,” Zel replied. “I thought, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see you again. Or at least, It would take a while to see you.”

I gripped her arm. “I’m here now. We’re together.”

Zel nodded, but there was a shadow in her eyes that I couldn’t ignore. It only added to my guilt. “How are you? How have they been treating you?”

“I’m okay,” I said, though the truth was far more complicated. “How are you? Did he torture you? Let me see your wrists."

I grabbed her hands and inspected the binds stopping her from doing magic. "Does it still make you sick?" I asked. I searched her face for