Chapter 41

NATALIE

Fredja leads me out of the mansion and to the back where we had first had our training and past it.

“Where are we going?” I ask her.

“A place where you won't be able to hurt anyone,” she answered before turning back to Anya, who had been trailing after us. “You should stay behind,” she says to her. “Just to be safe.”

Anya nods in response and halts right there. She doesn't leave, she doesn't move.

An assurance that she would still be there when we return.

I don't know why, but it makes me grateful and warm.

I guess after the altercation, the assurance that I am loved and wanted and cared about, is a balm to me.

The sun is high over its zenith casting shadows over the paved ground that slowly gives way to an uneven and rough earth.

"Fredja," I begin as she continues to lead me deeper and my voice hesitant, "I can't shake the guilt about Pan. You said that that wasn't me, but I can't help but think I am the one that put him in the way of whatever that was.”

We arrive at an ab