As soon as they had stepped out into the garden, Ashleigh had pulled away from Corrine.
“I can’t,” she whispered as she hurried behind a large pillar.
Her heartbeat had grown louder in her ears with each step they had taken, her lungs felt like they had shrunk, and her chest ached.
Corrine followed her, looking around to make sure no one saw them. She looked carefully at Ashleigh.
She could see clearly that Ashleigh was on the verge of breaking down and running.
“Ashleigh,” she whispered. “I understand, and you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”
Ashleigh swallowed and looked at Corrine.
“I don’t?” she whispered.
Corrine shook her head.
“Everyone would understand if you didn’t,” she said gently.
Ashleigh felt her panic begin to ease. She licked her lips and glanced back around the corner. The gathering of people was massive. In the distance, she could see the pyre and a small stage. Her heart began to race again, and she turned back, closing her eyes.
