“My mom,” I try to explain, but my throat closes. “She. The wardstone didn’t have any power, and my mom…” “Oh, Vi.” Rhi takes the step that separates us and pulls me in a hug. It doesn’t matter that I shouldn’t, that it’s a shameful display of emotion, or that she wouldn’t want it. I break down and sob against Rhiannon’s shoulder, my breaths coming in heaving gasps. With every tear, I feel my feet gain traction on a spinning world, feel the first waves of shock start to pass. When I look up, Brennan is sitting on the steps that lead into the administration building, looking ready to pass out
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