—- “T wanted someone who would choose me-even if no one else did.” I stepped back. His hands dropped. His body curled inward like I’d taken something vital. I didn’t reach out. He wasn’t my mate anymore. And I wasn’t his shield. Iturned to go- Only to be blocked by the rest of them. Right. The rest of the story. I crossed my arms. “He came here for redemption. What about you three?” My father cleared his throat. Looked down at the cracked earth. “after reading your journal…
we realized the pain you went through.” He tried to explain. About Eris’s childhood illness. About how they’d poured —- all their care into her, out of fear. He said they didn’t know how to love me once I came back. Said they hadn’t seen what Eris was doing. My mother spoke next, barely above a whisper. “The allergic reaction wasn’t your fault… it was the peanuts. I accused you. I… hit you. I’m sorry. Did it… hurt?” Her voice cracked like she was the one who’d been wounded.
Once, I would’ve dreamed of this. Them admitting it. Seeing me. Saying the things I needed to hear. But now? It was too late. I wasn’t that girl anymore. Not the one waiting by the door for someone to pick her. Their faces fell when I didn’t answer. My mother looked like she might cry. My father tried again. Dax hovered like he didn’t know where to stand. —- But I was done carrying their shame for them. “Are you done?” I asked. “Vera, don’t be like this-” Dax started.
“Don’t waste my time,” I cut in. “I’ve got better things to do than hand out forgiveness just because you feel guilty now.” “This isn’t a waste of time!” Dax snapped. “We came all this way to apologize!” I looked at him. Really looked. Dax. My golden-eyed brother. Once my favorite person in the world. “You want to know why it’s like this?” I said. My voice stayed even. “Because I used to love you all too much.” Then I turned and walked away. They didn’t follow.
