Page 266 of Sorrow & Strangers

I hadn’t even heard of Avalon University thanks to the closed border of our realm. In fact, from just the one class I have attended, I realize how naïve I am.

Then I see him. My heart stopped at that moment. I always thought that was just an expression, but I swear to the eternal flame that my heart stopped dead. The phoenix inside me ruffled its feathers in joy, but he never messaged me. He forgot about me . . . Or so I thought.

?

I had the wrong number.

I already know it’s him, and while I know I need to push back since he’s dating my roommate, I still save his number. It is pathetic, but I am desperate for the security of knowing I can reach him.

Mira

Rafe.

It’s a warning, but I already know it’s going to fall on deaf ears.

Rafe

You write your numbers weird.

I close my eyes and stop my pacing as I remember our nights together. How sweet he was. How he purred as I caressed his horns. My fire stoked for him, and it had been barely an ember without him. It reignited when I locked eyes with him across the cafeteria, and then again when he touched me. It burned so hot that I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to contain it.

Rafe

I broke up with Annabeth.

What does he think that changes? He can’t possibly think that after breaking up with my roommate, we can continue whatever we were doing in Paradis.

Mira

It doesn’t change anything, Rafe.

Rafe

I want you. That hasn’t changed.

I stare at his message, and I try to oust the flame the phoenix is leaving in its wake as it flies in loops of joy through my body.

Don’t reply. Don’t reply.

I resist, but the bubbles start to bob up and down again, and I realize I never actually looked away from the screen.

Rafe

I’m coming over.

Mira

No, don’t.

I’ve not heard Annabeth return, but if Rafe has broken up with her, she’ll no doubt come home in a flood of tears, her heart broken into pieces. I know what it feels like to lose him. I’ve been there. Though when I was heartbroken about Rafe, I was also in a fiery prison.

Rafe

Why?

Mira

Don’t come over.