VALENTINE
What could I possibly say? Sorry you had to see your parents attempt murder before noon?
"I don't want to know." Wilhelm held up his hand. His voice came out flat. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm back and I bring gifts from Madeline."
I looked at my wife. She was still standing by the table with her hands slowly lowering. Her magic had drained from the room but her eyes still burned with that rage. That demand for answers I couldn't give her.
"Forgive me, my love."
I moved fast. The spell left my lips before she could counter or defend herself. Her eyes went wide for just a second before they rolled back. Her knees buckled.
I caught her with magic before she could hit the floor and lifted her gently before guiding her back into her chair. My hands shook as I reached out and touched her face, tracing the line of her jaw with my thumb.
"It'll be fine."
The words felt like a lie even as I said them.
