19

Does it seem plausible... or am I just trying to assuage the guilt I feel?

The Sisters talk for at least another hour until the first of them shows signs of tiredness. Little by little, one by one, they retire to the shared beds.

Arina sleeps next to me.

I can see your restless face in the candlelight.

I stroke her hair until I feel her small body relax, and then I get up. Her hand is tucked into her tunic pocket, tightly gripping the wolfsbane seeds that I take from her and throw anywhere.

My heart rumbles in my chest.

I will not allow Arina to die. I will not allow any of my Sisters to die.

They are heavily asleep.

Nothing will make them wake up for at least the next hour.

I pick up my knife and the quiver with the bow and arrow. I get ready as if I'm going out hunting, even though it's still dawn, so I leave our room.

I hesitate at the door. I look back at my Sisters who sleep, anxious and worried, in their shared beds.

My bare feet make no noise as I step across the stone floor of