Not normal.
But still.
Clay’s forehead rests against mine while rain pours around us, and for the first time since this nightmare started, I can actually breathe.
Not because Sentinel disappeared.
Not because Wu stopped hunting us.
Because somebody finally chose me over the mission.
Over survival.
Over themselves.
My chest aches so hard it almost hurts.
Clay brushes his thumb gently across my cheek again.
“You with me?”
I nod.
Barely.
Because honestly?
Part of me is still back there in the tunnel with Avery.
Part of me is still eight years old and terrified and trying to survive whatever Sentinel turned us into.
But another part—
the stronger part now—
is here with him.
And somehow that changes everything.
Thunder rolls across the sky again.
This time I don’t flinch as hard.
Clay notices anyway.
Of course he does.
His arm tightens around my waist slightly.
Protective.
Always protective.
A strange warmth spreads through my chest at that.
Not fear.
Not conditioning.
