Page 159 of Stormbreaker

I scan the article. Scion Beaufort is quoted as saying Extinguisher patrols will be doubled as they ramp up their efforts to root out more of the infected in light of these deaths.

“What’s this?” I ask, noting where she hints that they also have a new tool at their disposal. “What is she talking about?”

His gaze holds mine. “I have no idea, but it doesn’t sound good.”

“It sounds dangerous,” I answer, handing the phone back and exhaling a sound of frustration. “Are we monsters, Rook? Should we be turning ourselves in? What if we kill someone?”

He considers me. “Do you think you’re a monster, Poet? Do you think I am?”

I exhale a sharp breath. “That’s all I’ve ever been told,” I say. “That I’m a danger. A problem to be dealt with.”

He says nothing, giving me space to continue.

“But they lied about you.”

His brow arches, and he sits straighter.

“Maybe they lied about this, too.” I read the article again. “They should be helping people like us, not hunting us down.”

“I know,” he answers, and I look up. It feels like there’s something else he isn’t saying, but we’re both silent for a moment.

“Do you ever feel like you’re losing your mind?” I ask carefully.

He inhales and considers the question. “Sometimes after I’ve touched Spark, my mind feels stretched. Porous. Like it’s not fully intact, but just for a little while.”

“Same,” I say.

“But the last two times, when we were together, it didn’t happen. Something was different.”

I nod because it’s been the same for me. He gives me a look I can’t interpret. All I know is I’m scared.

Skies, I’m so tired of being scared all the time.

Fuck the Extinguishers. Fuck The Shield for doing this to us.

“We need to be careful,” Rook says. “If they suspect either of us . . .”

Our eyes meet. If either one of us is caught, we’re dead.

“Could your father protect you? He’s a powerful man.”

I shake my head. “He doesn’t want anything to do with me, and even if he did, I’m not sure he wouldn’t be the first in line to turn me in. His loyalty has always been to The Shield.”

Rook is silent, and I glance up to find him glaring at a spot on the floor with a dark expression. He mumbles something under his breath that I can’t quite make out, but it sounds scathing. He runs a hand through his hair with a prolonged sigh.

Then he holds out his hand and pulls me toward him. “How are you feeling now?”

I shrug. “Exactly like you might expect. Thank you again for taking care of me last night.”

His face spreads into a grin. “I think I like seeing you messy.”

I exhale a sound of indignation. “I was perfectly composed.” He chuckles, and I lean into him. “I liked it when you yelled at Riley for letting me trip. Why were you so mad?” His expression turns contrite as I fold my arms and cock my hip, giving him a smug look. “It wasn’t really his fault.”

“I had to be mad at someone,” he answers like he’s still kind of angry about it.

I smirk and take a step closer. “And just how long were you at Sogno anyway, given that you saw Knox and me talking?”

He faux scratches his head. “I . . . uh . . .”