I stay quiet, just absorbing her words. The way she said them, there was a hint of

something I just couldn't place my finger on. It's like when you've been treated so

horribly before and then find someone who treats you with real tenderness, that

it's almost unbelievable.

Yes, that's it. She sounds as if she still can't believe just how considerate and

caring Knox had been.

"Nyx," I say, drawing in a breath, "I want to ask you something and I'll completely

understand if you don't want to answer."

She shifts, all her attention on me.

"Okay. What is it?"

My heart is pounding as I think of a way to broach the subject. I can feel sweat

pool under my armpits.

"You are nervous," she observes. "Why?"

I don't respond. I'm still trying to find the right words, a gentle way of asking

without sounding too pushy.

"Come on, Sadie, just ask."

"Alright," I exhale. "Did you... did you have a mate before Knox?"

There is silence. Pure silence.

For a moment everything feels like it has been frozen in time. Like the world

around me has been suspended.

wait, barely breathing, as the seconds stretch endlessly. I wait for what

I finally hear her

did," she

of

it, I don't know what or how

him?" I

as if she is

about it, Sadie," she whispers. "I'm not

him."

cracks on

it in her voice. Her

isn't just a

It's a wound she's yet

from. It's something

her and she

relive that pain again.

urge to push it, but I won't. I won't push

he hurt her? Or did he die? The pain she's trying to

results from

settles between us, heavy and uncomfortable. Soon

urge to break it.

your memories

"Which one?"

describe what I saw. It's imprinted on my mind

It's like

Xena loved her; that was clear to see, so

the hell changed?

remember that

faraway look. "I

I

mother was this powerful,

untouchable force. Xena was

signs of being the

And there I was-awkward,

uncoordinated, powerless. I even

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