CHAPTER 53 Wings

  Macy POV

  Silence falls over the ballroom. Fae stand with their hands over their mouths and tears in their eyes. No one dares utter a sound for fear of Cassian's wrath. The only one who dares make any noise at all is Roland. 

  He is broken. His daughter was lost to him before, but not dead. Now, she lies at his feet, and there is nothing he can do to save her. All hope and joy has drained from his face, and for the first time since I met him. He looks old. The wrinkles around his eyes look deeper, and his skin appears sallow. 

  Guilt overcomes me, and I curl myself into Winston's chest. If only I had stayed inside. It is my fault she is gone. Why do I have I always do the opposite of what I am told? 

  Feet begin to shuffle, and the ballroom slowly empties. I don't dare to meet their faces as the attendees leave. Goddess knows what they must think of me. 

  "Take her to her room," Cassian sighs. 

  "I think I am owed some sort of explanation," I retort.