a's

emories are lou

arms are wrapped around my knees. I listen to my

y to remember every step, every word.

e word again and again. It did not f

h Mira. We were kneading dough. Lila came in. She looked tired. She did not

I saw Lila talking to Elder Rowan. She was crying. I could

or. He said the elders wanted to see

id not look sad. She looked angry. I wondered what I did to her.

beat fast. My hands would not stay still. Bran di

r town. She hugged me before she left. I tried to remember her hug. It felt far away now. I wished she was here.

er was gone on purpose. Maybe she knew

or. I went inside. The elders sat in a circle.

, you are here because o

My throa

ila. "Tell us

meet with a stranger by the river.

her. "That

es down. "I saw

s in my room. Ask Mira. I was

rvous. "She left the kitchen before

p in your room, Lyra. It showed th

rt. "That's

on it. Times when the guards chan

scream. "Y

es. I could not hear them. Li

stood at the back. H

t me. "Do you have a

y mouth was dry. "I did

id not

The sun was bright. It hurt my eyes.

it just about Kaden? She liked him. I knew that. But

Or was she acting? Maybe she was hiding something. Maybe she was working w

tranger by the river. I never saw anyone there. But what if Lila did? What if

something. Maybe someone threate

e looked at me when I was dragged away. She

ave now? Why did she have to go so far away? I wished I

n my bed and stared at the wall.

my wolf. She was

e. I stayed quiet. I did

they come after me? Would my mother find me gon

ing. He did not defend me. Maybe he believe

ked scared. I wondered if she

art to go wrong? We used to be friends. We used to laugh toget

id it get there? Did Lila put it there? Did someone else? I tried t

wanted me gone. Maybe the elders were sc

I stared at the ceilin

ed if she was safe. I wondered if she mis

d she w

ed to sleep but my mind

led my name, but her voice was cold. She turned away

e wanted me gone so she could do something worse. Maybe

ought about talking to Elder Rowan again. I thought abo

d no

lking with Elder Rowan again. She was smiling this time. I wondered what

other again. I wishe

e come back, Mom,"

old. I wrap my arms around my knees. I listen to the water

in. I closed my eyes