Poisoned Shadow by Candice Bundy

Author:Candice Bundy [Bundy, Candice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780985418564
Publisher: Lusios Publishing

CHAPTER 17

“I would ask you to explain it all again, but I can’t bear to hear it and I doubt you’re up to it,” Maura said. She sounded as tired as Becka felt. At least she didn’t appear angry.

After being ushered into Maura’s chambers, Astrid and Becka had run through Hanna’s accident with her in excruciating detail. Becka had done most of the talking, aware of the tears running down her cheeks and the emotional waver in her voice.

“As I’m sure Astrid has told you, accidents happen, even to those with profoundly powerful gifts. I agree with Astrid; you need not blame yourself. Take responsibility, definitely, but do not torture yourself.”

Becka nodded but held her tongue.

“Unfortunately, harming one of House Hawthorne’s places us in a very delicate position.” Maura paced, lost in thought and no doubt strategizing their next move.

“I would never hurt Hanna,” Becka spurt out. “She’s been so kind to me.”

Maura looked at her thoughtfully. “I would not imagine you capable, daughter. You may be my most stubborn child, but you are much too altruistic to harm another without great cause. And yet, Hawthorne may stringently disagree with my perspective. We must handle this with all due caution.”

Becka nodded again. “What would you have me do?” The irony that it had taken this tragedy to bring her into step with her mother brought a heated flush to her cheeks.

“Whatever you do, do not engage with the Hawthornes directly. I will set up a meeting with them and drive the conversation of reparations. We will, of course, offer generous compensation, but I need a few hours to think on it and I need to speak with Elder Langdon on expectations of what House Willow will be able to offer. Until then, keep your head down. Let me handle the next move with them.”

Becka nodded in quick agreement. She had no need to seek out the Hawthornes’ accusing glares.

“There are promises we made in the contract,” Astrid suggested. “Offers of requested trade goods from our territory. I could arrange to have an advance shipment prepared?”

“See to it. It is a wise move before we begin negotiations,” Maura replied.

“Not to distract from the seriousness of the situation, but Becka’s performance today with Elder Langdon means we can move forward with identifying a vocation for her.”

“Vocation?” Becka asked, shocked that Astrid would be thinking of house profit at a time like this. “Shouldn’t we be concerned about my ability to control my powers, lest I cause another horrifying, life-ruining failure?”

“Do not be dramatic, Becka,” Maura replied. “It was an accident, after all, and life will go on for both you and Hanna. Life will also go on for Elder Langdon, because of your work today. Think of the others you can aid. Besides, now you will be even more careful, likely to a fault.”

Becka was speechless. Perhaps her mother was right, perhaps she should just focus on the next person she could help. But her heart still ached for the pain she’d brought to Hanna on this ill-fated day.

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