The House of Ash and Guilt
They clung to each other, sobbing—a scene so touching it could move anyone to tears.
I stared coldly at the jeweled circlet on his head, flashing arrogantly in the firelight. My own hair, before I died, had been tied back with nothing but a frayed leather cord—some drunken client's careless afterthought.
I listened as Matthew, in that clear, sweet voice of his, spun a story so perfect it was seamless.
"Father, forgive me—I've been so unfilial. I wasn't lost that night. I was taken—kidnapped by slavers.