Chapter 42 A Steep Climb

• *Akin*
• I wait for Maerilee, but she doesn’t come back that night. It turns my stomach, nearly sends me into a rage when I realize that she’s spending the night with Permiton. What does she possibly see in him? What smooth words can he possibly offer her to explain away his indiscretions? It’s not that she’s with another man. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s that she’s with him!
• He’s a traitor, pure and simple. I don’t care what she believes. This is one point I can’t trust her on. I’ve followed her here, and I’ve seen that she is often right, but for some reason, Permiton is a blind spot for her.