She shook her head. It was impossible. Fiona was too loyal to do something like this.

Isola went on, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence. “I found something in the cottage when I first discovered it. A book of mainland poetry.”

“I’ve seen it,” Leelo said. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“There was an inscription on one of the pages, and a pressed flower. It said...” Isola swallowed. “It said, ‘To my dearest love, Fiona. Yours forever, Nigel.’”

Leelo’s vision began to tunnel as the blood drained from her head. “I need to sit down.” She collapsed where she stood and Isola crouched down next to her. “There has to be some mistake. My mother loved my father. I know she did. She wouldn’t have done this. She couldn’t have.” She let her head fall into her hands.

Isola placed a tentative hand on Leelo’s shoulder. “I’m sure your mother did love your father. This doesn’t change that.”

Leelo’s eyes shot up. “Doesn’t change that? How?”

Isola shook her head helplessly. “I’m sorry.”

Leelo forced herself to take a deep breath. She was angry, but a part of her knew Isola was right. She’d seen it when her mother spoke of the different kinds of love. Fiona had cared deeply for Leelo’s father. She remembered her mother’s grief when he died. But was it the kind of love Leelo felt for Jaren? Or was it a love that had grown later, slowly, over their years together?

Isola waited a few minutes before helping Leelo to her feet. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way. But you might want to consider telling Fiona the truth about Jaren. If she really did help an outsider get off this island, she could be your only hope for saving him.”

Chapter Forty-Three

When Leelo was gone, Jaren lay on his blanket, staring up at the ceiling and seeing only Leelo’s face. He wanted to memorize it because he knew there would never be another one so lovely.

It was growing dark outside when he finally forced himself to get up. He could still go to the pools for a bath tonight; the cold water would help clear his head. Even if he couldn’t fathom leaving Leelo, he liked having a plan. And besides, there was still a chance he could convince her to join him.

He stripped down and lowered himself into the water until it was over his head. The pool was small but deep enough for him to submerge completely, and he liked the feeling of weightlessness. It was quiet under the water, peaceful.

When he was finished washing, he reached for his clothing, only to find his tunic was not where he’d left it.