Page 176 of Stormbreaker

“Thank you,” I say. “For defending me. No one’s ever done that before.”

He peers over with what I can only describe as a scrutinizing look. “I already told you, I’m here to protect you, no matter what.”

64

We decide to ride the train back to Amery. Rook sits silently, perhaps sensing I don’t want to talk. I’m grateful for his steady presence and how he stood up to my mom.

When he said those words, I felt something loosen. Knox would never have chosen me over my father. I would have spent the rest of my life living in fear.

My only regret—and one I will live with for the rest of my life—is that I had to leave my mom behind. At least for now. Maybe I can find a way to help her, too, though divorces are rare in Society. She’d be left with nothing. Once I’m a Storm Guard, I’ll receive a salary. Maybe then I can take care of her. It won’t be the life she’s used to, but I don’t know if I’d call her current existence living at all.

My pulse thunders against my ribs, making it hard to breathe.

The train stops at one of the city’s central stations, and suddenly I feel like I’m being buried under stone. “I changed my mind about the train,” I say. “I want to get out.”

“Sure,” Rook says, already standing. He grabs my hand, and we exit the platform, taking the stairs up to ground level. We enter the station with its soaring ceilings and shiny marble floors, packed with at least a hundred different vendors selling wares. They include not only Hollows and their ubiquitous cabbage stew and scavengers with their rows of foraged goods, but also artisans and even some food stands, the tantalizing aromas valiantly trying to cancel out the sour smell of cabbage.

The twinkling strands draping across the ceiling glow with soft light, illuminating the entire bustling scene. A string quartet in the center plays soft music, backdropping hundreds of conversations. A few swaying couples dance in the middle of the room, adding to the dreamlike vibe.

“I haven’t been here in a while,” I say as my racing heart slows. “I forgot how magical it is at night.”

“Do you want something to eat?” Rook asks, gesturing to a stand selling colorful desserts. Next to it is a cart offering paper boats filled with crisp fries and topped with your pick of creamy sauces.

“No. I’m not hungry, but I’ll come with you.”

“Okay, because I’m always hungry,” he says, and yeah, with all the exercise we get, he probably needs thousands of calories a day to maintain all that muscle. We approach the fry truck, and he orders a large doused in spicy ketchup with swirls of mayo and topped with crispy onions. He grabs two forks, and we head over to a bench before he hands one to me.

He digs in while I sample a few bites, surprised by how much some greasy food settles my stomach.

“I know I already said thank you,” I start. “But I really do appreciate how you stood up to my mom.”

He pops a fry into his mouth. “What can I say? Parents always love me.”

I snort out a laugh, then start giggling hysterically. “I can’t believe I just broke into my own apartment to tell my mom I needed a sweater.”

“Did you even grab a sweater?” he asks, pretending to check behind me.

“No!” I shout, and we both start laughing. It releases the swelling pressure compressing my ribs. “She knew it, too.”

“Do you think she’ll say anything to your dad?”

“I don’t think so.”

My head tips against Rook’s shoulder as he nearly polishes off the fries, offering me the last bite with a raised eyebrow.

“You go ahead,” I say, and he swallows it down before tossing our garbage into a nearby container. His hand settles loosely on my thigh while I hang on to his arm and we watch the passersby. The chatter swells, the dancers twirl, and if the desire for a life of peace and stillness were an image stirred into motion, this would be it.

“Wanna dance?” Rook asks, and I find myself nodding immediately.

“I thought you didn’t dance,” I say, dropping my voice, trying to mimic his stern words from the night at Sogno.

He chuckles. “You’re the exception, remember?”

I grin as he draws me up, and we wrap our arms around each other before we start to sway. I rest my cheek against his chest as he gently spins us in a circle. After everything I’ve done and all the pain I’ve caused, I don’t know if I deserve peace, but I can’t help wanting it anyway.

The soft strains of music harmonize against the cadence of voices, almost like a lullaby.

That’s when I notice someone watching me through the crowd.