Bethan could feel her hands shake at the thought of verbalising her memories of Tharin. It came easier when she told Kellan, since she was in the heat of the moment. But, with Agatha, she would have to be careful with her words because Agatha adored her little brother much like she adored Dana.

‘You might not like what I’m going to tell you.’

Agatha nodded. Bethan closed her eyes for a second before telling her everything. Her heartbeat fast, and she got through her story. She tried her best to hold back the tears for Agatha’s sake. She tried not to look too long in her eyes, fearing she would see Tharin. Agatha gripped her hand.

They sat in silence together.

Agatha squeezed her hand again and said, ‘Thank you for telling me.’

Bethan clenched her jaw in anticipation for what Agatha would say next.

A loud sob came from Agatha’s mouth. ‘I’m so sorry.’

Agatha dropped her head on Bethan’s shoulder, and she wrapped her arms around her friend. Bethan stroked Agatha’s blonde curls.

‘I thought he would be different,’ she cried.

‘What do you mean?’

‘I thought he wasn’t like my father.’

‘Oh, Agatha.’ Bethan pulled her back into a hug. Agatha cringed out of the embrace.

‘No, don’t be sorry for me. I should have known he was like this. I should’ve cautioned you against him. I didn’t speak to him for years because of my dad. Your relationship made me think Tharin was different from him.’

‘Tharin was good to me in the beginning; he was kind and romantic. I think he does care for you, Agatha; I don’t want to come between your relationship with him.’

‘Don’t try and justify him,’ Agatha shot back, wiping her eyes. ‘I’m sorry for being so cold to Kellan.’

‘It’s okay; we both understand,’ she told her, smoothing Agatha’s hand.

‘I’m really happy for you,’ Agatha said. ‘I hope Kellan is twice the man Tharin is.’ Bethan blushed.

‘I’m happy for you and Circe too.’ She laughed. ‘I just wish you had told us earlier. We wouldn’t have cared.’

Agatha cackled.

‘I didn’t keep it from you,’ she said in her usual airy voice. ‘None of you asked.’

‘I can’t believe you called me smart.’ Bethan scoffed.

She slapped Bethan’s knee. ‘You’re the smartest witch I know.’

If she were the smartest, she would have found out about Elnora before then.

‘I’m sorry, but I think Circe takes the cake for that one.’ Bethan smirked.

At that exact moment, Bethan wondered if she should tell Agatha everything about Elnora. She decided she would confront Elnora before telling Circe and Agatha.

The pair hugged each other before returning to their respective rooms.

chapter thirty

chapter thirty

bethan kore