Page 133 of Stormbreaker

“If you’re worried, I promise you’re safe with me,” he says. “And what else can they possibly say about you at this point?”

I huff out a sound that’s part laugh because not only is he reading my mind, he’s absolutely right.

I think about how he defended me against Knox without hesitation, and I believe him when he says I have nothing to fear from his presence.

Maybe these painkillers are addling my brain, or maybe I’ve just been through a lot this week, but Rook Athira, the Solitude from the Wastes, a group I was taught to fear my entire life, is the one person in this whole school who I’m certain won’t try to hurt me.

I point to the bed in the opposite corner. “Maybe I’ll take this one? I’d like to be close to the fire.”

“Good choice,” he answers.

I sit down on the edge of the bed and test the mattress, already made up with fresh sheets.

“I can go grab your stuff for you,” he adds.

I should refuse. He’s already done so much, but I don’t think I can face anyone else right now.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not afraid of them, Trouble,” he says, but there’s no hint of mocking in the nickname. I almost wonder if I detect a thread of affection, but that’s silly.

“Thanks,” I whisper, still clutching Teddy. “I . . . You’re being nicer to me than I deserve.”

I chew on my bottom lip as I watch him fold up a T-shirt and stuff it into a drawer.

“You probably deserve more than you think you do,” he says softly before he exhales and runs a hand down his face. I have no idea what’s eating at him, but his words twist me up, so I brush past them because I have no idea how to respond.

“Who taught you how to sew him back together?” I ask.

He shrugs as his cheeks turn the barest shade of pink. “We have to patch up a lot of our clothing,” he says. “You learn to sew at a young age out in the Wastes.”

“I would have no idea how to do that.”

He walks over, dropping into a crouch. “I’ll be right back. You lie down and take more of the painkillers the doctor gave you.”

He pulls my shoes off and eases me back onto the bed. We’re eye to eye, and it looks like he wants to say something else, but then he gives his head a little shake and stands up.

Without another word, he strides out of the room. I watch the door close behind him and turn to study my surroundings. It’s much quieter than the upper-level dorms. Peaceful.

Rook probably liked it down here alone, and now I’ve intruded on his silence. I recall what he said about enjoying the right company, and I know I shouldn’t wonder or hope that I’m included in that list.

Despite the fireplace, the air is cooler down here, and I’m wearing only the tank top I had on under my jacket. I shiver as goose bumps prick my skin and hug Teddy tighter to my chest.

I wonder how long Rook will be and if I should have gone with him. I hope no one tries to hurt him. But I’m lightheaded from the painkillers, and something tells me he can take care of himself. They don’t fear me, but Rook has proven several times already that he doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit.

I cradle Teddy and my sore arm, lying on the soft pillow. It swaddles my head as I nestle into it, and my eyelids instantly grow heavy.

My phone dings, and I open my eyes again.

It’s Domino checking on me. In fact, she’s sent me dozens of messages. Apparently, she was with Journey working on a project in her room when everything happened and had no idea what our roommates had planned.

I ask if she’s safe with them, but she assures me it will be fine.

I slide back to my messages to see that Trinity hasn’t sent me anything. Her friend Brick was there in that room. He helped push me down the stairs. Does she know? Does she care? I’m almost too scared to ask.

I have a text from Edward checking on me. At least he isn’t letting our Society divide come between us.

And a few from Silver and Hazel, who’ve temporarily revived our group chat.