Only then did the nightmares go away.
And goddamn Dev. He was always there.
I know it wasn’t exactly his fault. But just looking at him made me want to punch him.
Click. Click. Click.
There had to be a way out away from people. I couldn’t risk lighting up inside.
Not now.
Not while Seph was in these walls.
I couldn’t give a shit about anyone else.
The thought landed ugly and sharp — but it was true. Survival first. Everything else later.
I kicked at the walls. “Fuck!”
My skin burned and flushed, heat crawling under my ribs, pressing, searching for release. I started to hyperventilate.
It’s been three fucking days!
“Fuck fuck fuck!” I fell to my knees.
A spark flared — died.
Something in my chest dropped.
I wasn’t going to get fire tonight.
My knees hit the floor before I realised I’d stopped standing.
Without my fire, thoughts came in — not gently, not one at a time.
Things I couldn’t shut out.
Like Kyra’s cries.
Jess—please. Help me.
Click. Click. Click.
Nothing.
Clickclickclick—
“Whoa, are you OK?” A voice startled me. I looked up and saw Sable Quinn standing beside me.
I jumped, ready to bolt.
Sable crouched in front of me slowly, like she was approaching a skittish animal. She was dressed in leathers, as if she had justcome from sparring practise. Her hair was pulled back tightly in a bun.
“Easy,” she said softly. “You’re not in trouble.”
I laughed once, sharp and broken. “Didn’t think I was.”
“No,” she agreed. “But you’re braced like you expect to be.”
