Chapter 18: Girl Talk

Vivian

Yawning, I stretched and sat up on the bed. My heart and mind were heavy after hearing Finn's sleep-talking. I dressed quickly and headed downstairs. Finn was gone but he'd neatly folded everything on the couch.

I imagined there was still plenty of security around the cottage. Any other day, I would be annoyed but I could feel how empty and quiet the cottage was without Marian. I was really alone here.

It would be nice to have a day to myself.

I made some tea and sat on the front porch reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo' in French. I had a wool blanket over me, my legs curled up on the porch couch.

My father always insisted I be well educated in language and art. He prioritized my mental training and education over anything combat-related. That's probably why I was so easily overpowered by the Sablepelt guards.

"Hey there, want some company?"

I glanced up from the page and saw Grace walking through the garden.

"Sure."