River felt a lump on his throat and swallowed hard as he saw her tearful gaze turn fearful. Fear that she had gone astray, become dangerous, and a monster. It wasn't her fault, it wasn't her fault that she had hurt her mother so badly. He wanted to tell her, but her expression told him he shouldn't. She knew exactly what he was going to say.
She looked away from him, trembling, and her eyes met Penelope's, which were filled with pity. "Katherine, it's not your fault." Penelope's voice, like her demeanor, was calm.
"Don't." Katherine growled and stood up, looking at Darren, who looked at her as if she had just lost her mother, then at Kion, who had his head bowed.
"Here." He exhaled and stretched his arms out. Four massive ancient books appeared on his hand, stacked on top of each other, as did six scrolls.
Katherine shook her head as she gathered the books. Her heart felt heavy, and her grip on the books was firm.
