Chapter 9: The Door Shuts Again

I went down with them.

I knew exactly what I was walking into, and I wanted to see if they would do it.

Thessaly led, with the key in her fist.

Seven sisters walked behind me in a quiet line, and Wynne came last, with her eyes on the floor.

Ninety-one steps.

The Vault door stood open as we had left it, a black gap in the white wall.

"Go in," Thessaly said gently. "Say goodnight to her. Take as long as you like."

"I know what you're doing," I said.

"I'm doing what Father asked. Making peace."

"Then why is the key in your hand?"

She did not answer.

I walked in anyway.

My mother's bier lay in the dark with the cloth over it and the empty cradle at its head.

Behind me, the door swung shut.

The lock turned with a heavy sound I knew in my bones.

"Cool off, Daelan," Thessaly said, through the iron.

"You'll feel differently in the morning. You'll come out and say you're sorry, and we'll start again."

"Don't," Wynne said, from somewhere further back. "Thessaly, don't. This isn't right."

"Be quiet, Wynne."

"Let him out."

"He is not a prisoner. He's resting."

I stood in the dark with my palms flat against the cold iron.

For a moment I was back there, three nights in, with my throat raw from shouting.

Then a light step came down the stair, and Perrin's voice drifted through the door.

"Is it done?"

"It's done," said the sister of Noon.

"I'll stay and watch. Someone should." He sounded sad.

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