"Xiviyah, surely you're hungry by now. You have to eat something."
R'lissea's exasperated voice stung my ears, but I curled up, hugging Fable tighter. I had no memory of leaving the manor after the banquet, or anything, really. Every time I closed my eyes, I was alone with the darkness. But opening them was worse. The sunlight, crystal lights, and even the stars felt mocking, a reminder that the things I had experienced were only an illusion. There was no warmth and light to find.
R'lissea shook my shoulder gently. "It's been a week. Can't you at least tell me what happened? Fyren said you were all alone and the shard was empty. You didn't try to absorb it, did you?"
"Elaine already said Luke was scheduled to take it during the banquet," Elise said. "Besides, you remember how quickly Fyren left the banquet? I was afraid he would tear right through the walls to get to her. He felt something through the mark."
