"What the hell, Lyra," I say. "Fucking hurts."
"Well, you're lucky. Nothing's broken," she says and looks over at Octavian. "Good job."
Callum nods and looks at Octavian. "We'll have to discuss what comes next."
"I want in," I say suddenly.
Callum's head snaps toward me. "What?"
"Whatever you're planning. Whatever comes next. I want in."
"No," Callum and Octavian say in unison and we all turn to look at Octavian for a moment.
"Callum,” I protest.
"Sorry." His voice is sharp. "You're not going anywhere near this."
"It was my event. They came for me."
"And you almost died," Declan cuts in. "You think we're going to let you walk back into that?"
"I don't need your permission."
Callum's eyes flash, and he steps closer. "Yes, you do. You're not thinking clearly. You're in shock. And you're staying here until we figure out what the hell is going on."
"I'm not a child."
"Then stop acting like one." His words are cold, and they silence me.
Lyra finishes looking me over and steps back, her expression neutral. "She'll be fine. Just needs rest."
Callum nods and turns to Octavian, who's still standing by the chair, silent, watchful.
"Stay close to her. Within reach at all times."
Octavian's gaze doesn't leave mine as he nods. "Understood."
Callum gestures to Declan and Lyra, and the three of them head for the door.
Declan pauses, glancing back at me. "We'll fix this, Keira. I promise."
Then he's gone, and the door shuts behind them.
Octavian doesn't move. He just stands there, his dark eyes locked on me, and the silence stretches between us like a wire pulled too tight.
I feel embarrassed. I almost tell him to leave, to give me space, but I stop myself, because right now, with the smell of smoke still clinging to my skin and the memory of glass raining down around me, I don't want to be alone without him, even if I'm not ready to admit it to him.
"You don't have to stay," I say, soft and low. "I'm just going to rest for a bit and then shower."
I see his gaze drop to my lips, just for a second, then he nods.
"Get some rest," he says and takes his seat again. "I'll stay."
I turn away, trying to hide the smile and my relief. I wonder if he notices.
I lean back and look up at the ceiling, and think what it would feel like if he wasn't just doing his job.
If he was here because he wanted to be.
