#Chapter 47: Delay the Inevitable

Chris I stood frozen in the hallway, watching Lily’s retreating form as the echo of her sobs faded into silence. Only then did my actions finally settle in. What had I done? In my anger and confusion over Ava’s involvement with the Elders, I had lashed out—unfairly taking out my hurt and betrayal on an innocent party. Lily hadn’t deserved my brusque dismissal, my careless cruelty. She was merely a victim in this whole mess, same as I. Clenching my jaw, I pivoted on my heel and strode quickly after her, my longer strides easily allowing me to catch up despite her head start. Just ahead, she had paused in the doorway leading out into one of the Packhouse’s lush gardens, her shoulders trembling with the force of her muffled sobs. “Lily?” I called out hesitantly, my voice seeming to startle her as she whirled to face me. Even in the dim evening light, I could see the glistening tracks of tears on her cheeks, the way her blue eyes brimmed with hurt and humiliation. “What i