Page 38 of Tears for a Broken Sky
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start.”
“I’m not,” she said, all innocence. “Just making an observation.”
She bumped her shoulder lightly against mine. “For what it’s worth… I think she feels the same. Even if she’s not ready to accept it yet.”
I watched Elle walk—dressed in simple work pants, a shirt, and a jacket.
Her blades were strapped to her body like she couldn’t sleep without them.
Her hair hung loose in long, tangled curls, and her pale face was set with quiet determination.
Sometimes, when I looked at her, it felt like her mind wasn’t fully here—like something kept pulling her away. Most the time I just wanted to reach out and grab her. I wanted to shake her, hold her, kiss her just so she knew she wasn’t alone.
I missed her, even when she was here.
Mads elbowed me in the side. “You’ll get her back. I know it.”
“How do you know that?” I asked. “I don’t know if she even knows how to let people in anymore, not completely.”
“I know because I saw her. I saw the way she watched you, the way she smiled and leaned into you. To all of you.” Mads stopped and took my hand. “This is a girl who had no one else except Finn for years. And then she chose you and hedied. That’s a lot of guilt to carry.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying maybe… maybe she needs to let him go. And more than that—she needs to forgive herself.”
Maddie looked at me, eyes steady.
“That’s where you come in. All of you. You stand by her. Even when she pulls away. Especially then.”
She squeezed my hand.
“She’ll see it, Leo. I really think she will. And maybe then… maybe she’ll finally let herself grieve.”
“I hope you’re right,” I said finally.
“We’re here. You guys coming?” Phoenix called.
I looked up.
He and Elle stood waiting by the door.
Her eyes locked on mine—steady, unreadable, but intense.
“Yup,” I said, flashing a grin.
Her gaze softened, just barely.
Maddie gave me a knowing look as we ducked inside.
Lacey was already at her workbench, measuring liquids in beakers and jars. The place smelled sharp—herbs and something faintly metallic.
She looked up as we entered, setting her beaker down and wiping her hands on a cloth.
“Your Highness,” she greeted.
Elira stepped forward. “Just Elle, please.”
“Alright, Elle,” Lacey said with a quick nod. “What can I do for you?”
