Chapter 1
Kieran
Something touched my face. I was upright before I was awake.
The crack of the platform still echoed in my skull.
In the dark, a small figure beside me jumped back.
My hands swung wildly, hitting flesh.
“Kieran!” Seph’s voice rang out. “It’s me!”
“Seph?” I said, as she emerged from the shadows.
“Sorry I scared you. You were yelling…” she replied shakily.
I switched on the lamp. Light cut through the darkness. Seph stood there fully dressed, gloves and all, fidgeting with the leather at her wrists. She looked flushed, her eyes wild.
“I was heading back to my room when I heard you. Are you okay?”
I watched her for a moment as the dream retreated. Her hair was loose in silver-white waves around her face. Her eyes shone with concern.
“How long have you been here?” I rubbed my face, still feeling the phantom touch of her gloves.
“Just for a moment.”
I stared at her. “Did you touch me?”
“I had gloves on, so you were safe,” she stepped back, defensive. “I wouldneverhurt you.”
I watched the pain settle in her eyes and clenched my jaw. I hated that I had put it there.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not afraid of you, Seph. I never was.”
She twisted her hands and looked away.
I took a slow breath. I dragged a hand down my face. “What time is it?”
“Around two?” she said quietly, glancing toward the door. “If you’re okay, I should go.”
“You don’t have to—” I said quickly. I reached for her — then stopped myself.
She gave me a small smile. “If I don’t, Ash will come hunting for me.”
“He’s still living in your room?”
“I need to get him a cot. At the moment, he insists on sleeping on the floor.”
She smiled at the thought, soft and fond.
I missed her smiling at me. I hadn’t realised how much.
She glanced at the door again, and I realised that I didn’t want her to leave yet.
“What are you doing up anyway?” I asked.
I stood and pulled a jumper over my bare chest. Her gaze flickered to my bare skin. She blushed and looked away.
