“Is there anything I can do?” Selene said, breaking the silence. She lifted her head from his chest.

“No. Your presence is enough.” More than she knew. “Thank you for coming.”

“I haven’t lost someone, but I did leave behind people who I love. It . . . hurts.”

He rubbed her back, his heart aching for her loss. “I know.” He wished he could say more, to tell her that she would see them someday, but he couldn’t. Given the way House Ravenwood and House Maris were divided, who knew when she would be able to see her family and loved ones again?

Her chin dipped down, and she slowly took a step back. “I’m glad I came. Taegis was concerned about you. And I was too.” Her eyes shifted to the window.

His lips quirked. Apparently Selene was not one for long episodes of physical touch. Then again, given her family background, he wasn’t surprised. He sobered at the thought. His family had been overwhelmingly loving and generous with their words and affection, something he greatly missed when they passed. Perhaps he could share that part of his family with Selene someday, if she was willing.

She took another step back. “I’m afraid I haven’t had a chance to change yet. I visited Baris Abbey today, and the hem of my dress and boots are still wet from the snow.”

He could almost see her scurrying back behind the cover of her invisible mask. It was still too early for her to feel safe away from her barriers. He understood, even if he desired otherwise. “I’ve asked for my meal to be brought to my room. Would you join me this evening?”

She looked up, and the mask moved, even if only for a moment. “I would be happy to join you.”

“Thank you.” He hadn’t meant to sound so relieved. Selene’s presence helped with the deep ache inside his chest, but he wasn’t ready to leave his room and be around other people at the moment. But he didn’t want to be alone either. “I’ll see you at seven?”

She gave him a small smile that made his mouth go dry. “Yes. I’ll be here.” Then she turned and headed for the door that led to her own room.

His brow furrowed as the door shut behind her. It almost seemed to represent one of the other barriers between them, and he wondered if there would come a point where she would no longer have her own room, but would share his instead.

Damien lay in his bed later that night and stared at the ceiling. With Selene gone, the hole was once again expanding across his heart, bringing with it dreary and shadowy thoughts. As much as he tried to push them away, the memories pressed against his mind, forcing him to relive the death of his parents and Quinn.

The plague had spread like a wildfire across Northwind Castle and Nor Esen until both resembled ghost towns. The streets and hallways stood empty, save for the few who seemed immune to the fever. Even now he could remember how eerie the castle felt, so silent and vacant.