Chapter 12

Claudia's words pierced straight into the chaos of Nester's heart like a sharp knife. He stood where he was, colors draining from his face inch by inch. Seeing the look on his face, Claudia felt a sudden pang of pity. She softened her voice to speak, but every word struck deep. "Before Sab left, she told me that if you come looking for me, I should tell you that there's no greater sorrow than a dead heart. She didn't even have the strength to hate you anymore." Nester jolted as if all the strength had been drained from his body. He staggered back and slammed hard into the cold wall. "There's no greater sorrow than a dead heart. She didn't even have the strength to hate you anymore." Did that mean he didn't even have the right to be hated anymore? Claudia gave him one last look, then turned and walked away. Nester stood frozen for a long time. It was only when his legs began to numb that he moved slowly back to his car. He didn't go home since he couldn't face that empty vill