VALERIEI had never seen an image of Calista before—apart from the statue outside of the rose garden. But it was hardly an accurate rendition.Somehow, despite that, I recognized her immediately. It felt as though I’d known that face for a long time. Like she was latched onto a part of my memory that I’d somehow forgotten. Like the sight of that painting had brought it all flooding back.What? Diya hissed, noticing my sudden hesitation. She could probably sense the uptick of my heartbeat, or the sweat growing on my palms. What is wrong?“That’s princess Calista,” I told her. “I don’t know how I know it is. I just do.”It is the influence of the leech, Diya said. You’re simply feeling his effects, that’s all. But I was certain that wasn’t the case. Lucas had never once mentioned what Calista looked like, and the features on the statue in the garden at Salmere was far too vague to show any sort of resemblance.In the painting, Calista was donned in an apron. She was bending over a wood
Last Updated : 2025-05-19
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