Chapter 8: The Bracelet

"I love it," I said.

I took the box by its velvet sides, not touching the bracelet.

"I'll wear it tomorrow," I said. "At breakfast. So Mom can see."

Lottie's smile widened.

"She'll be so happy."

I closed the door and turned the lock.

Then I set the box on the table by the fire and stood looking at it.

Rue was pacing in my head. I could feel her going back and forth.

Bad, she said. Burns.

I didn't sleep much.

Breakfast at Silverpine during the Council was in the great hall.

Everyone came down for it.

Alphas in flannel with plates of eggs. Betas on their phones. Mates talking over coffee.

My family sat at the first long table.

My mother wore cream. Lottie wore pale blue and my scarf.

My father was reading the paper.

Bastian was already at the top table with the elder.

He looked up when I came in with the velvet box in my hand.

I hadn't told him.

I hadn't had the chance.

He saw my face and put down his cup.

I didn't go to the top table.

I went to my family's.

"Good morning," I said.

My mother looked up and saw the box.

For a second, her whole face lit up.

"Oh, Ivy," she said, loud enough for the tables around us. "You're going to wear it."

"I want to," I said. "But I can't do the clasp by myself."

I turned to Lottie.

"Will you put it on me? You're my sister."

Lottie hesitated.

Only for a moment.

"Of course," she said.

She held out her hand for the box.

I opened it and tipped the bracelet straight into her open palm.

She screamed.

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