Page 69 of Stormbreaker

“You look a bit pale,” comes a deep voice. It’s Henry, and he’s giving me a concerned look.

“I don’t feel great,” I admit.

“That’s normal at the beginning,” he says. “Makes most people a bit nauseous. The good news is you’ve passed the first hurdle and can start training. But for now, you’re free to leave and lie down.”

Right. I’d almost completely forgotten that’s why I was here at all. I lay a hand against my stomach and nod. “Okay, thanks. I think I’ll do that.”

I spot Domino now in the examination room. She sits on her bed and gives me a little wave. The image of Jacen’s skin curling with smoke flashes before my eyes, and I watch until I’m assured she’s okay handling the current.

“Henry,” I say, turning toward him. “How are you doing?”

He takes a deep breath, running a hand over his closely shorn curls. “I’m fine, Poet.”

He gives nothing away. It’s been three years. How much does he miss my brother? I want to ask him what he’s been up to. Has he found someone new? Is he in love again? I hope so. He deserves to be happy.

“You should come by the penthouse for dinner sometime,” I say. “My mom would love to see you.”

His brows draw together. “Would she?”

The question is pointed, and it’s then that I understand I probably knew very little about their relationship. I only saw the brother I loved and the man he brought home. Did my parents disapprove? Henry is pledged to House Fiama but isn’t from a family of particular influence. I suspect that mattered to my father.

“I’m sorry,” I say, even if I’m not entirely sure what I’m apologizing for.

Henry blows out a long sigh that seems to sit heavy in his chest. “Maybe you and I could have lunch sometime and catch up?”

I give him a weak smile. “I’d love that.”

“Great, now go get some rest.”

With a nod, I make my way into the hall and toward my room on shaky legs.

Every once in a while, my world tilts, and I have to stop to catch my breath.

“Poet?” comes Knox’s voice.

Damn, I’ve been doing such a good job avoiding him lately.

“Are you okay? Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you. Why do you keep ignoring my texts?”

It’s too many questions for my clouded thoughts. I bypass them all as I keep walking, trying to appear steadier than I feel.

He shuffles beside me, easily keeping up, before grabbing me by the elbow. I bristle at the contact.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just not feeling well. I’m going to lie down.”

“Where were you? Where’d you go after the memorial? What did General Sol want from you?”

More questions. Things I don’t want to answer.

“Can we talk about this later?”

I dismiss him, but he isn’t to be deterred.

I try to pull my arm away. His grip only tightens, and that finally sets me off.

“Let go of me!” I bite out. He doesn’t. “I was where I was. It’s none of your damn business.”