Текст книги "Reflection of the night"

Автор книги: Albina Sevenkova

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For ten minutes Anna seemed to be in a dream, until she heard her nephew's voice again.

– I saw him, and I don't mind calling him brother. Go to sleep…

The girl smiled serenely, inhaling the frosty freshness and winking at the stars peeking under the awning.

"The bottomless sky is good,"– she thought.

A thin boy of about seven years old stood by a fresh grave, which was mercilessly covered by the falling snow. Suddenly he was seized with a fit of coughing. He fell to his knees, and the white canvas was stained with drops of blood. Someone put a clean handkerchief to his lips and hugged him. After a few moments, the chest sounds subsided. The child was reclining on the woman's lap, looking into the warm eyes.

– Who are you? – he asked.

– I'm a friend of your great-grandfather.

The boy rested for a while longer and then roughly broke away from the embrace.

– We didn't have any friends.

Anna ran a hand over her face and stared at the child, whose desperate blue eyes were filled with hope. She reached into her gym bag and pulled out a pink apple that seemed to cheer up this snowy, cold morning.

– Take it, – she said, handing it to the baby.

He stood there for a moment, thinking, then came over and held out an almost transparent hand. My name is Anna. I'm going away on business right now, but I'll be back soon and we'll talk about everything. In the meantime, eat the fruit, and you will feel better.

The boy bit into an apple. Anna stared at him for a few more minutes, then left without looking back.

Robin and Arthur stood outside the chapel, looking up at the gray sky and breathing in the crisp, frosty air. The bright pink horizon heralded the imminent arrival of the sun. Edward approached them quietly. All three were dressed in black suits and wrapped in dark cloaks. The bear and the Falcon pulled their long hair back into tails. Raven's black, ragged locks reached only to his shoulders and fell in a picturesque disarray across his forehead and cheeks.

– Where is this lady? – Arthur asked. – Women are women, nothing can be trusted.

– Let's go to the stable. Order her to be sent for, – the monarch said to the footman.

A mournful funeral bell rang in the air.

– Someone died? – Edward asked.

– Yes, the head of the palace chancery, – Red Arthur yawned.

Near the stable, the warriors saw Anna standing at the entrance. She curtsied.

– Good morning, my lady, – Robin replied with a bow, as did his entourage, and moved closer to her. -Allow me to ask you an immodest question, madame.

– I allow it, Your Majesty, but I warn you that I do not answer all such questions.

Raven chuckled and reached out long, thin fingers to touch her hair. Anna didn't move or even change her position. Gazing into her eyes, he pulled a straw out of his hair.

– Did you sleep in the stables?

– Yes, – the Countess replied matter-of-factly.

Raven clearly hadn't expected this answer:

– Are you crazy? Spend the night here, practically under the open sky, without protection?!

– I have a reliable protector, Your Majesty. He was with me all night.

– And who is he? – the head of state tried to put maximum contempt into his voice.

– You can see it right now.

All three of them looked in the direction indicated. A bay horse pranced along the road. This wonderful creature could not contain its own irrepressible energy. He kicked and whinnied, one brown eye squinting out from under his long bangs.

– That's a wild Liis stallion, – Arthur choked. – They can't be tamed. The strongest and toughest horses, the smartest.

– Well, why not, – said the Countess's melodious voice. – You just need to find an approach to everyone.

– If I touch him, he won't trample me? – The head of the Bear clan asked enthusiastically.

Anna went to the young man, took him by the hand and led him to the horse, which was already snorting with displeasure.

– Flame, let him, – the girl said.

The stallion snorted again, but this time less aggressively, and Anna brought the duke's hand to the horse. Arthur couldn't hide his delight as he stared at the horse.

– You came here in it?

– Yes.

– They are three times faster than normal horses.

– More than that, actually, – the Countess said. And the Flame is the leader, as long as none of the tribesmen can compete with it.

She mounted the horse, which was not even reined in, with surprising ease,and thus once again surprised her companions.

– The Flame knows the way very well, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, I'll go first.

The King frowned, but did not object. Soon, the four horsemen disappeared over the horizon.

When they were halfway down the road, a ravine appeared ahead. The horses walked slowly. Anna suddenly stopped. Robin, riding beside her, looked at her questioningly.

– The flame senses danger, – the Countess said.

As soon as the horses stopped, and the sound of hooves ceased to resound over the snow-covered expanse, a dead silence enveloped the gorge. Even the crystal-clear stream in front of them seemed to flow without a sound.

The Countess started as a long-drawn-out howl rang out.

– Wolves of the twilight! Stop it! – she shouted.

Shadows flickered on the cliff tops.

– Dismount quickly! – The king shouted, drawing his sword. – Anna, hide behind a boulder!

The girl hurried to obey the order, at the same time, the young men rushed forward, holding their weapons in front of them. The three black horses, terrified, darted down the ravine and leaped into the hollow, continuing their senseless run. The flame was next to the hostess.

Robin was the first to meet the huge wolf, literally cutting it in half. Approaching the hill, the warriors dealt with twelve large creatures, which crumbled into dust from the blows, leaving no traces. The men stopped at the foot of the cliff and were about to return when a growl sounded from above.

– God, there are hundreds of them, – said Arthur, looking up.

– This hollow will be our grave, – Edward said grimly, brushing a strand of blond hair from his sweaty brow.

– We will fight as long as we can raise our swords, – Raven ordered.

And then a horde of animals leaped from the peaks at the people. The clang of teeth, the clang of steel, and the neighing of horses rang out. The young warriors quickly became isolated and fought off the predators, unable to help each other. Robin managed to deal with a couple of wolves, stabbing one with a straight blow and cutting the other, but two more jumped on him immediately. The last of them knocked the sword out of his hand. The king dodged the beast, trying to reach for the weapon, but it was already clear that the second jump of the predator would be fatal for him. He was staring unblinkingly into the eyes of his death when something whizzed by a centimeter away, and the wolf vanished into thin air, as did the next five. The same fate befell the predators attacking the lords. The young men looked back and saw Anna, climbing up on a high boulder, shooting with a bow, hitting targets with incredible speed. The sight only disconcerted the king for three seconds, after which he grabbed the glittering sword and charged into battle. Heart-rending sounds came from the lowlands. The King's horse was torn apart by the beasts, and the fate of the others was sealed.

– Flame! – Anna suddenly shouted, still firing. – Protect!

Her stallion, obeying the order, jumped into the lowlands and did the impossible. With two blows of his front hooves, he destroyed the huge wolf. The second beast, which had rushed at him from behind, immediately fell from the powerful push of its hind hooves.

– Get them out of there, Flame! – Anna shouted again. – They'll follow you now!!!

The bay stallion heard her again and, trampling down the predators, found a path up. The two horses followed him. Meanwhile, the beasts were already approaching the archer. Seeing this, Arthur hurried to her aid. Anna had shot an arrow through one of the twilight-born in a leap. The faithful steed was already standing beside him again, along with the other two stallions.

– They're coming! – Edward shouted, trying to strike with his magic, which immediately turned into nothing, swallowed up by the rocks.

Anna looked for Robin and saw that the predators were pushing him toward the cliff.

– Flame! – she screamed again.

The horse whinnied.

– Get him out of there! Please!!!

The bay leader quickly took the race and, soaring over the seemingly insurmountable barrier of sharp rocks, in the blink of an eye was next to the Raven. With a single swing, the king cut off the predator's head and leapt into the saddle, and the mighty horse swiftly carried him away from the cliff. Anna put several arrows into the bow at once and fired. The shadows on the peaks reappeared. Seeing this, the girl spoke, and from nowhere, an echo picked up her words.

– Without asking, I call upon the dark lord!

The young men flinched for a moment at the sound of the voice, and the Countess, who was standing on the boulder, continued, lowering her bow.

– You can't handle my power, and you can't handle me!

Edward, who had taken a break, looked at Anna in surprise as she continued to speak.

– One blow will set the water in the stream on fire.

The stallion at the spring unexpectedly pierced the ice-cold water with a hoof, and it burst into a bright fire, incinerating the wolves who tried to cross to the shore.

– One gust of wind will dispel my misfortune!

A blizzard that appeared in a few seconds, as if alive, gathered its strength and, whirling the fire on the stream, whirled it in a huge tornado, sweeping away all the gloomy creatures.

A few minutes passed, and silence reigned over the gorge again. Edward was leaning wearily on his sword, Arthur was wiping the sweat from his brow, and Anna was leaning back against a rock, deep in thought.

– Let's go, – Robin ordered curtly as he rode up. – We can't stay here. We will make a stop near the cave, and we will return by a roundabout road. Without dismounting from the chestnut horse, which silently submitted to him, he leaned over and, easily picking up Anna, lifted her into the saddle. His friends mounted their horses and followed him.

Holding the shield artifact in his hands, Robin watched Anna talk to her horse and noted that he was over the moon.

– My good one, – she cooed. – My brave chief. Thank you for helping me again.

– Well, now is the time to eat and discuss what has happened, – Arthur said cheerfully to Edward.

To which the Falcon did not fail to reply:

– And what are you going to eat, my lord? Do you want to meal some snow? There is plenty of it here.

– Didn't you bring any provisions with you? – The Bear protested loudly.

– Why should I take anything? – We were going to be done in a few hours!

It is not known how long this exchange would have continued if the young people had not caught the sweet smell of hot lentil soup. The King was the first to approach Anna, who was setting the table in the snow. She took a plentiful meal out of her canvas bag. The sight that opened was worthy of admiring. A variety of vegetables and fruits, herbs, three hot dishes and ruddy pastries increased the already brutal appetite of the young people. The Countess looked up at Raven and smiled at him for the first time.

– I ask you, Your Majesty, and you, my lords, for dinner.

Arthur couldn't hide his pleasure as he picked up his spoon. They all ate in silence for a few minutes. The usual-looking dishes were many times superior in taste to those that the young men had tried before. Surprise and bliss appeared on their faces when the turn came to the fruit. The high nobles alternated between glances and glances at the Comtesse's pretty face, which still seemed oblivious.

– Did you get all this out of the magic bag, ma'am? They say it costs a fortune, " Arthur tried to keep up the conversation.

Anna smiled at him.

– They say, but I did not buy it, I could not afford it in the recent past. I had to sew a useful product myself.

– So you're making these bags?

– I tried, – the Countess replied mockingly. – But no one bought it from me either because of the high cost. So the trade didn't work out.

Everyone laughed.

– It's time to talk about who did this attack, – the Bear said seriously.

– No one in this country has that kind of magic, – Edward said, shaking his head.

– What do you think, Countess? – The king asked suddenly.

Anna ran a hand over her face, as if she didn't want to answer.

– The sorcerers of Piran have the ability to create conditionally living things out of nothing. I knew three people who could do this. Two of them are already dead. And the third one would never use his magic for evil. Unless he was forced to do it or…

– Or what? – Raven asked.

– Or he has a disciple who has betrayed him.

– Piran, then, – said the young king thoughtfully. – They sleep there and see how Adenia will be left without a head of state. In theory, Richard the First, under such circumstances, can claim the throne of Adenia himself…

– Where did you learn to shoot like that, ma'am? I've known the best male archers, but they don't have a tenth of your skills.

– My mother was good with the bow. I was still a little girl when I saw her doing this. At the time, shooting arrows at a target seemed fun to me.

– And then?

– It's a deadly weapon. My parents died early, and I had to learn how to defend myself, remember my skills, and improve them so that I could disable my enemies without killing them. The archers you've seen must hit opponents to death, which is why they've reached the ceiling in this art. And I needed to make the arrows obey and hit the target, even when the target was moving. This happens at the level of the senses.

– You mean without magic? – The Falcon broke in.

Anna was silent for a moment.

– You, as a healer, have realized that I have almost no magic. In fact, I am an ordinary person.

The Falcon didn't take his eyes off her.

– And the fact that you were able to not just resist the black sorcerer, but without much effort to destroy his charms, also happened without magic?

– Yes. But do not think that it happened quite effortlessly. Faith in my own word was not easy for me and not in one day.

– A hare, – said Arthur suddenly. – Where did he come from? Already ran away. There is no one in the world more cowardly than these animals.

– You think so? – Anna asked suddenly.

– Is there any doubt about that? – Edward chuckled.

The girl was silent for a moment, and then said:

– This animal always knows in advance when a predator that surpasses it in everything is on the trail. He knows, but he's in no hurry to run away. He waits until the last minute, until the moment when the enemy's teeth are ready to close on his throat. And then the hare suddenly escapes from the deadly trap. He loops as he runs, shows wonders of speed and endurance, and finally leaves the attacker with a nose, proving that he is worthy to live. So who do you think is cowardly? The hare or the one who attacks it?

After saying this, Anna left the table with a few apples and went to the horses standing in the distance. The falcon stared after her with green eyes for a long time.

The king was eating fragrant strawberries when the Duke of Kern addressed him:

– Robin, give it to me.

Raven held out the cup, looking intently into his friend's eyes.

Arthur took the berries and grinned:

– Do you pretend you don't understand? So you've got your eye on her yourself. What can you give her? Will you make her your mistress? I won't let you do that.

Robin took the berries back and slowly popped the strawberries into his mouth, still looking the Bear in the eye.

– I'm delighted, – Edward said. – You've known this person for about two days, and you're already ready to bite each other's throats because of her. It is true that women are the best means of discord.

– You'd think you'd have nothing to do with it, – Arthur snapped and shot a quick glance at the young man, who couldn't stand it and turned away.

On their return, the king and his entourage were busy all day, and the Countess of the Rhine was not allowed to leave the palace and was forced to spend time among the ladies of the court. Towards noon she was informed that she was to come to the king's supper. After listening grimly to the footman, she replied with an affirmative nod and went in search of Augustus, the great-grandson of her friend, which was not successful.

In the dining room, waiting for the final preparations, Edward and Arthur stood not far from each other. The King, as he often did, was looking out of the window. None of the three men spoke. It was exactly six o'clock, and Countess Anna Raine came in through the open door, still dressed in her green ball gown. She curtsied and followed the footman to the table. After that, everyone joined in for dinner. Robin stared at her intently. This time her face was an impenetrable mask. The girl was cool and collected. The white, austere tablecloth, the gleaming silver of the appliances, and the stony faces of the young men made the atmosphere in the dining room tense.

– How was your day, Lady Raine? – the king broke the silence.

– Thank you, Your Majesty, quite passable. I've been waiting for your permission to return home.

– Are you in such a hurry to leave us? What is it? – he asked in a cold, ironic tone.

– I don't want to distract you from important matters.

– Is that so?

There was a pause.

– Why were you sentenced to death, Lady Raine? – The Falcon's voice sounded like a bolt from the blue.

Arthur and Robin flinched, but Anna remained unperturbed. She smiled faintly as she poured herself a glass of water.

– For treason to the crown, – she said, as if she had just reported a change in the weather.

There was silence for a few moments.

– And why are you still alive, madame? – Robin asked, equally evenly.

– There are many reasons for this, Your Majesty, and they are long to tell.

– Well, I'm in no hurry, and I'm ready to listen.

– As you command. It would certainly be better if you learned about everything from the secret archives. But, as I understand it, you have not yet managed to break the protection.

Arthur choked, and Edward glanced at the door.

– I was first accused of having an affair with the Arenian king.

– In what connection exactly? – Falcon asked.

– The one you just thought of. The second was the accusation of the transfer of the County of the Rhine and the Duchy of Oden to the side of the enemy power. And then there are the little things: passing on the secrets of magical inventions over the past three hundred years, debauchery, and an attempt to poison the monarch.

– Uh – huh, – Robin said, automatically pouring himself a glass of wine. – And you admitted all this?

– My confession wasn't required. I was immediately promised a scaffold and placed in a Cold Tower to wait for the end.

Raven didn't notice the red wine spilling out of the glass and spreading across the snowy tablecloth.

– Have you been to the Cold Tower, madame?" And how long did you manage to stay there?

– Then I was told that it had been three weeks. Time flies by there, the Countess of the Rhine said indifferently.

– And you signed your charges?

– No. According to the laws of Adenia, the estate of an aristocrat who pleads guilty is transferred to the crown, and a more worthy owner is chosen by the council. As a result, my people could be enslaved again, and the heir to the Order could be placed under new guardianship. And guardians rarely need heirs, so children do not live long. However, the heirs do not only interfere with the guardians Isn't that right, Your Majesty? – She glanced pointedly at the king, who was glaring at her.

– That's a lie, – said Arthur distantly. – A woman can't survive the torture of the Cold Tower.

– I won't dissuade you, – Anna said. – You know, – she said, suddenly looking at the Falcon. This was a common scheme in those days. The widow Ereman, who had earned a reputation as a flighty coquette, was asked to marry. Many suspected her lack of brains, but she quickly realized how it would all end for her son. Her refusal had unfortunate consequences. The Duchess of Eremann managed to avoid the Cold Tower only because if she was recognized, the estate would still pass to her brother, to whom she later left the heir to the Osborn province – the future head of the Falcon clan. Soon after, her brother and your uncle, my lord, died under mysterious circumstances.

Edward turned almost as white as the tablecloth.

– How did you manage to avoid the same fate? – The king asked hoarsely.

– My friends helped me. The head of the chancery, who had been buried the day before, and who then held an insignificant post, showed unprecedented courage and presented evidence of my innocence.

– Which, of course, helped you at once, – the king chuckled.

– Yes, those papers didn't help me. But what his support meant to me in that icy hell, you have no idea. He smiled at me, saving not only my life, but also my soul. At the risk of everything, the Minister of War's family took my side. His wife and I have been friends since we were young. But they changed their mind about executing me at the last minute, thanks to Countess Rogneda of Rhone, with whom we grew up together.

– And how did she do it? – Arthur asked curiously.

– She started a riot in three provinces. The castles of the four most powerful nobles in the kingdom, including the king's brother, were destroyed in a matter of minutes. It was a powerful argument. I was immediately released and even apologized. The two provinces of Oden and the County of Rhone were left alone and allowed to exist peacefully by law, and my desert – the county of the Rhine remained free.

– Why suddenly began to claim your land, where nothing grows? It's winter at night and hot summer during the day.

– You use outdated information, Your Majesty. So it was fifty years ago, when the people who came and all the undesirables were sent there, my parents did not look for ways to return. Remembering the precepts of their ancestors, they began to refine this hellish territory. The strength, perseverance and knowledge of the people did their job. Gradually, the situation there improved. I continued what my parents started, and after surviving several droughts and famines, we managed to turn this land into a real paradise. The fruit I gave you is now growing there.

– So, technically, your county is not part of the kingdom?

– That is so," Anna replied to the monarch. – I only came to the palace because I am related to Auden, and because I honor my friendship with Gray Lisbourne, who is now dead.

– As a healer, I can see that you are only fifteen or sixteen years old, how is that possible? Will you again claim that you did without magic? – Falcon asked.

– It's impossible by your standards, but it's a common occurrence for our people. Life expectancy in the former Wasteland is four to five times greater than yours.

There was an awkward silence at the table.

– Your Majesty, – Anna was the first to break the silence. – I have answered all your questions without reserve. Now, please answer my question.

– Anything I can do, Countess,– the handsome, dark-eyed man promised.

– When will I be allowed to return home?

– Your return home is not planned, – Raven said coldly.

– Why not?

– I intend to make you my mistress.

Edward and Arthur glared at their friend, which was not lost on Anna.

– So you don't need my consent?

– And it won't follow? – Robin asked, feigning surprise.

– No, – Anna said shortly.

– You prefer the scaffold, then?

– Yes, especially since it is already becoming my habit. Permission to leave?

The Falcon gave the Countess a sharp look. She was cool and tried to keep her tone casual. It was only for a moment that her fingers twitched, and he realized the cost of keeping her casual.

– Guards! – Robin shouted.

Four warriors entered the door.

– Take the lady away, – Raven said matter-of-factly.

Anna never looked back as she left.

– Have you thought well, Rob? – asked Arthur, in a hollow voice.

– You're making a mistake, – Edward said, leaving the table.

The doors opened again, and a dozen or so mage warriors burst into the dining room.

– Your energies were blocked during lunch, so don't do anything stupid, – Robin said. – Sit in quiet places for three days and calm down.

Arthur and Edward looked at each other, assessing the situation.

– Please surrender your weapons and follow us, my lords, – the mage leader said grimly.

– Please don't do this, Robin, – the Falcon said, handing over the sword. – She didn't have any lovers, do you hear?

Lord Kern's gray eyes flashed with lightning, and if they had been magical, his crowned friend would have been nothing but smoking remains. A few seconds later, the king was alone in the dining room. He sat down on a wrought-iron chair and leaned his head back wearily, looking up at the old-fashioned stucco ceiling.

Anna, who was surrounded by soldiers, listened to the creaking snow and was extremely focused. All the labyrinths of the corridors of the royal palace and the view from above of the surrounding area quickly flashed through my mind.

– Anna, – a child's voice said suddenly.

The girl smiled at Augustus as she continued walking.

– I was told you were looking for me.

– Yes. I need your help. Please pluck a branch from the old juniper tree in the back yard and bring it to the room that opens onto the pillared hall.

The child looked at her in surprise, and at the same time saw the whole plan of the future movement in his imagination.

– You should be there by midnight.

– I'll do it, – she heard a voice behind her.

With her inner vision, Anna quickly entered the stable and said softly:

– Flame.

The bay leader, flanked by two grooms, shuddered.

Realizing that her friend had heard her, she said:

– Home.

Realizing the order, Flame immediately rushed to the exit.

– Hey, where are you going? – The man yelled, trying to grab the horse's bridle.

Immediately an assistant ran up to him and threw a noose around the animal's neck. A few moments later, an interesting sight opened up to the crowd of onlookers. With a sharp blow, the stable gate was carried out by a wild stallion, which rushed forward like a whirlwind. The battered grooms ran after him, shouting: " Hold him!"

But no one dared even come close to this embodiment of unrestrained energy. Flame leaped over the castle's stone railing, leaving his pursuers with their mouths wide open.

– Damn horse, – one of them lisped, spitting out a broken tooth.

For nearly an hour, Anna had been in the luxurious bedroom located in the royal guest house. It was a new building, and it was welcoming compared to the huge, dark palace. The fire crackled merrily in the grate. The room was decorated in bright colors, and there were fruits and treats on the table. Glancing at the huge carved clock, she went to the window. She heard the door open and someone enter the bedroom, but she didn't even look back. Raven appeared, took off his doublet, and threw it on a chair, leaving himself in a white shirt and black trousers. There he also sent the removed belt, which made a metallic sound. Anna was still standing with her back to him when he came close to her and put his arms around her, sliding his hands over her arms and capturing her wrists. Her tension caused a flash of anger in him, which he suppressed and asked, whispering in his ear:

– Did you really think I'd send you to the scaffold?

– I still think you'll have to, – Anna said mockingly.

– So you're a fool, – Robin said evenly, still holding her.

– Oh, don't jump to conclusions, my King.

He walked away and, almost ripping off the buttons, took off his shirt.

– Call me by my first name – Robin.

– All right, Robin, – Anna suddenly looked around and, barely touching the man's naked torso, looked into his eyes.

– You turned your back, – Raven chuckled. – You don't like me? With that, he took a step forward.

– No, come on, Robin, you're well-built, but I'm just shy of other people's half-naked men, – she said, backing away.

He smiled suddenly, a boyish, infectious smile that made his eyes sparkle.

– Then let's get closer.

For a moment, something in Anna responded to his smile, and her face reflected something similar. But then her expression suddenly became thoughtful. He continued to advance slowly until the Countess's back was against the wall.

– Give me your tenderness, – Robin said softly, touching her hair with his hand. – We'll be fine together.

He couldn't resist leaning in, nuzzling her nose, trying to kiss her, but Anna gently pulled away.

– Yes, for a short time we can really be happy, and then … – she didn't finish the sentence.

– And then? – Raven asked, mesmerized by the sound of her voice.

– And then there will come the bitterness of disappointment and a cruel reckoning that will erase all pleasant memories.

Anna went to the door and tried the handle, and the bedroom was locked.

– Well, well, well, – the young man drawled, putting his arm around her again and lifting her easily into his arms. – You will be my wife.

– Robin, please let me go, – Anna said, looking into his eyes.

He set her down on the floor, still holding her in his arms.

– Let me go home, – she said gently.

Raven sighed and whispered fervently in her ear again:

– I can't, you won't cross that threshold until you're mine.

It was extremely pleasant to hold her in his arms and kiss her hair. He even thought that he had never experienced this before.

Anna gently pulled away from him again and spoke:

– Robin, we still have a few minutes before I leave here.

– Where to, my baby? – the king chuckled.

She ignored the question.

– I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself.

– All-attention…

– Once upon a time, I loved a young man. I love him now, too.

This was the last thing the young man expected to hear from her.

– Is that so? – he got angry. – And who is he?

– He's dead, – Anna said, sounding as if she were a thousand miles away. – He's gone, and the fire in me is still burning. Why won't he burn me? Why?