But I knew the truth. This wasn’t just something that happened. This was because of me. Because I’d told him who I really was.

“Actually,” I said, moving closer to the bed, “there is something I need to tell you. Something about what I said to you that day.”

The farmer tilted his head. “What about it?”

I took a deep breath. “When I told you I was Luna E of Ashw, I was telling the truth. I know it doesn’t make sense, and I know you don’t believe me, but I really am-” I shut my eyes briefly before correcting myself. “Was her. I died giving birth and was reborn in a different body.”

The farmer stared at me for a long moment. Then he chuckled again. “Is that so?”

“I know how it sounds,” I said quickly. “But there’s a curse on my family. Anyone who dies gets one chance toe back, but if we tell people from our old life who we really are, they get hurt. Or worse.”

“And you think telling me made me sick?”

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes. “I think I killed you.‘

“Well,” he said, reaching out to pat my hand, “if that’s true, then I suppose I should thank you.”

I looked up at him in surprise. “Thank you?”

“My wife died two years ago,” he said. “Cancer. I’ve been pretty lonely since then. If your curse is what’s sendin‘ me to meet her in the Moon Goddess’s domain, then I’d say it’s doin‘ me a favor.”

Tears stung my eyes. “You don’t understand. You’re dying because of me. Because I was selfish and stupid and didn’t consider the consequences.”

“Ah, I lived a good long life,” the farmer said. “Raised three kids, ran this farm for fifty years, loved a woman who loved me back. That’s more’n most people get. Even if what you’re saying is true, I wouldn’t me you for it. You were scared and confused, and you needed help. I was d to give it.” fn96a8 ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? ?ovelFind/fn96a8

His kindness only made the guilt worse. This man was dying because of me, and he was trying tofort me

about it.

“I should go,” I said, standing up. “Your family is worried about you.”

“Take care of yourself, Ste,” the farmer said. “Or E. Whoever you are.”

I squeezed his hand one more time, then left the room. Mary and her brother were waiting in the living room, and they walked me to the door without saying much.

By the time I reached the manorter, dawn was only a few hours away. The house was dark except for a few scattered lights, and I slipped in through the back door as quietly as I could.

I was making my way toward the servants‘ quarters when I heard Alexander’s voiceing from his office. The door was cracked openb, /bspilling light out into the hallway. Curious as to why I wasn’t the only one still up at this

hour, I crept closer and peered through the crack.

Alexander was inside. He was standing in the middle of the room, swaying slightly with a ss of what looked like bourbon in his hand. His tie was loose and his hair was messed up.

He was drunk. Very drunk, from the looks of it.

I was about to push the door open and go in when I heard another voice.

“Dance with me, Alex.” Sophia’s voice. Her pale hand came into view from behind the door, stretched toward him. “Like we used to when we were younger.”

Alexander nced at her hand. For a moment, I thought he might ignore it.

But he didn’t. He took it and led her into a slow, wobbly waltz. Sophia was grinning from ear to ear, her arms draped around his neck and her body pressed flush against his, as they swayed together in the middle of the

room.

I felt sick. Even though my body wanted to burst in there and break them apart, I knew I couldn’t–not after what had happened to the farmer. And not after Alexander had announced his Luna Trial to rece me. So I ran. I ran before they could see me and I didn’t stop until I was locked safely in my servants‘ room.