"You should go." Briony took a step back, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. "Stewart, Little Nina's got real musical talent. If she's ever interested in learning, you can ask my godmother to find her a good teacher. And little Mario-he's always building with Legos and solving Rubik's cubes. He's sharp, focused. If he wants, you should encourage him..."

"Bryn." Stewart cut her off, his tear-filled gaze locked on her. "Don't say these things. Don't talk like you're saying goodbye."

Briony managed a faint smile. “I just want to be prepared. Just in case."

"There is no 'just in case."" Stewart took her face in his hands, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I respect your choice, but trust me and the whole team-we'll keep you safe. Wait for us to bring you home."

Briony blinked, startled, as a loud knocking sounded behind her.

"Briony, are you alright? You didn't faint in there, did you?" Mary's voice rang out, anxious and a little shrill. Gifford must be getting suspicious.

Stewart quickly pulled on a mask, cast Briony one last, lingering look, and with two long strides, disappeared up into the attic.

His footsteps thudded rapidly overhead.

Briony waited a moment, composing herself, before turning to open the door.

Outside, Mary stood with two other staff members-and Gifford, watching her closely.

Briony swayed unsteadily.

forward to steady her. "You look awful—are you feeling sick

a show for Gifford, but before she could act, she lowered her head and unexpectedly a bright drop of blood

One drop. Then another.

suddenly from

with horror.

member grabbed some tissues, pressing them to Briony's

the blood soaked through instantly,

Kensington is having a crisis -get her back to Mr.

vision went black, and

body into his

tissues to Briony's bleeding

Ferdinand on

control

combined-to

was unconscious for a week, visibly thinner when she

in Cloudcrest

Every night

and she woke up

his arms. Even when she finally fell asleep, as soon as he tried to lay her down, she'd wake up

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