57 Chapter 57: Too Honest for the World (2/2)

I saw Salem sitting in a chair by the open window. His arms resting on the windowsill, his chin resting on his hand. Eyes looking out at the city, at the silence. His back was turned towards me. I couldn't see his face or his thoughts.

He turned to me.

He said, ”You're awake.”

I averted my eyes. It was embarrassing. Maybe tomorrow when tonight was a distant memory.

He got up. Poured a cup of water. Gave it to me.

He said, ”Drink, or else you'll have a headache tomorrow.”

I took the cup and drank. Said nothing.

He turned his back to me and returned to his chair. I looked at him from behind the cup. I wondered what he was thinking.

We sat in silence. The stillness was overwhelming. As though the air demanded us to stay quiet.

But eventually Salem spoke.

He said, ”You said you never drank before. Why start now?”

I said nothing.

He said, ”What happened after you walked off?”

I kept drinking water.

He looked at me. I looked away. Eventually he realized that I wouldn't answer. That it was too shameful for me to admit. A moment of thought. His expression changed. Like he realized something.

Something about women.

Something about witches.

Something about me.

He said, ”Before you left, you said you took your father flying before.”

”Yes.”

”Why?”

”Why...” I glanced at him. I suppose it's alright to tell him. ”My father said my mother used to take him flying. When they were alone. They used to embrace in the air, far above the world, far from everything. He said that was where he felt at ease.”

He said nothing. He waited.

I said, ”He said he wanted to fly again. One last time. So I used my magic to take him up there.”

”Hmm...”

Salem looked at me. Intently, thoughtfully.

He said, ”What is the most valuable lesson your father taught you?”

I raised an eyebrow. What a strange question. Out of nowhere. But it was a good question. The kind I liked.

I said, ”I told you before. My father said this once: the world is cruel. Be kind to those who are kind to you. Kill those who try to kill you. And when you are uncertain...”

”Then what?”

I smiled.

”When you are uncertain, it's better to kill. Because that is the only way to ensure your own survival.”

He said nothing. Seemed to wait for something. And he was right. I hadn't told him everything.

I said, ”But there is always an exception.”