Emmeline had always been a little oversensitive, and in the past few weeks her touchiness had escalated. So it was no surprise she took Grady's statement in entirely the wrong way.

She winced visibly, drawing away from him a bit and averting her eyes. "I-I..." She unwound her arms from his neck, smoothing out her skirt unnecessarily. "It's getting late. You must be so tired...I suppose we both should be getting to bed."

She felt color rushing to her cheeks as she wiped away the last of her tears. How stupid she was! She was, quite possibly, the most self-centered girl in the entire school. Oh, but that had stung. Of course she knew others were hurt. If only he knew the bitter taste of guilt her own grief left in her mouth. How could she be wallowing in her own sorrow when so many others were suffering, too?

Grady had just confirmed her own insecurities. She was, in fact, being ridiculous. He probably thought she was an idiot--Merlin, he was probably right.