Eva’s point of view
The party’s still roaring behind me when I slip out into the garden, the laughter and music trailing after me like sticky honey I can’t quite shake off.
Too much noise. Too much… feeling.
I don’t usually mind crowds. I don’t usually mind anything. Detached is my natural state, sharp edges wrapped in apathy. But tonight feels different, like someone’s been slowly unwinding the threads inside me, pulling knots loose that were never meant to come undone.
I don’t like it.
I sit on the edge of the fountain, twisting my fingers in my lap, staring at the ripples moving across the water like they might spell out answers if I watch long enough.
For once, there’s no sword in my hand. No blood on my clothes. Just this stupid dress, too much lace, the faint stickiness of wine on my palm.
What the hell is happening to me?
“Thought I’d find you here.”
I don’t even turn when Elias’s voice breaks the quiet. Of course it’s him. He’s the only other emotionally constipated
