things, and lie so complexly, so frequently, that sheâd lose her own childâs devotion . . . ?â She trailed off and clutched at her heart now,as if it were being torn out. âFor what purpose? Wasnât giving me up at the Purge enough? Did she have to come back into my life, only to betray me a second time ? What absolute heartlessness, which is just so typical of someone loyal to Quill! Is there any purpose great enough to cause someone to turn her back on her family for the sake of it?â
She turned and looked at the others, her eyes rimmed red. âWell?â she demanded. âIs there?â
Simber, Ms. Morning, Mr. Appleblossom, and Meghan had no answers. They could only reply to Carinaâs tormented gaze with sympathetic eyes.
âI didnât think so,â Carina muttered. âHer whole life was dedicated to hurting as many people as possible.â She looked up at the ceiling to contain her tears and sighed bitterly. âExcuse me. I need to get out of here. I need to see my sonâsomeone I would never betray.â
Simber moved aside to clear a path for her escape. As she reached the door, a hoarse voice called out after her.
It was Sean.
âCarina,â he said, his breath labored. âWait.â
Sean Shares a Secret
A t the sound of Seanâs voice, Carina paused in the doorway to the hospital ward. She turned and looked at his bed, and saw that his eyes were open.
âYouâre awake,â she breathed, and rushed past Ms. Morning, Meghan, Simber, and Mr. Appleblossom to Seanâs side. âAre you feeling any better?â
The others crowded around to see him, conscious for the first time since well before arriving in Artimé.
Meghan reached out and ruffled her brotherâs hair. âHeâs looking a little better, at least.â
âYes, he is,â Carina said. âSean, Iâm so glad to see you awake. I was awfully worried. . . .â
He lifted a weak hand and Carina grasped it. They stared into each otherâs eyes.
âExcuse me for a moment, Artimons ,â Mr. Appleblossom said gently. âCarina, I shall go and find your son.â
âOh, thank you, dear Mr. Appleblossom,â she said, offering him a half smile in spite of the tears that were still wet on her face. âBring him here to me right away, will you? I miss him so.â
He nodded and slipped away without another word.
Carina turned back to Sean. âYouâre feeling better, then?â she prompted.
âYes, a bit better,â Sean said. His eyes remained half-closed and his speech was slower than usual, but the color was back in his face, and the near-constant grimace heâd worn since the ride around the world was gone.
âYou should rest. Can you sleep? Were we talking too loudly? Iâm sorry.â
He shook his head and gripped her hand tighter. âNo, itâs okay. I have to tell you something,â he said. âI heard you all talking . . . about Eva.â His chin quivered. âIâm so sorry.â
âIt doesnât matter,â Carina said. âWe can talk about it another time, when youâre well. IâmâIâm fine. Really. She means nothing to me.â She set her jaw. âShe was an enemy of Artimé.â
Meghan watched her brotherâs face carefully, and wondered. Had Mr. Appleblossom guessed right the day of the attack? Was Sean the one working with Eva? âI think he really just needs to say something,â Meghan said carefully. âDonât you, Sean?â
Sean turned his head. His eyes connected with his sisterâs, and she nodded encouragingly. He frowned, puzzled that she seemed to know something, but too tired to contemplate it. âYes,â he said. He turned back to Carina. âPlease. Let me explain.â
Carina glanced from Sean to Meghan, and back to Sean again. âAll right, if youâre
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