Page 76 of Sorrow & Strangers

“It’s Rafe,” I say, pulling my hair back into a ponytail.

Max blinks and sits back down. “Rafe? Morningstar?”

I huff and slump onto the couch next to him. Even my limbs feel exhausted from the emotional upheaval of the last few days. This will be my first time telling anyone other than the headmaster or family, and the words lodge in my throat. “He’s Fallen,” I finally manage to choke out, looking down at my black-painted nails in my lap.

Max blinks and blinks again. “Shit. He survived?” he asks, genuine concern lacing his voice.

I nod and lean my elbows on my knees, burying my face in my hands. The vulnerability that I am able to feel with Max somehow refines the pain, anger, and fear, leaving only the truth and me feeling raw and open.

The weight of Max’s arm drops across my shoulders, and he pulls me into his side. I release a long breath and lean against him, exhaustion tugging at me.

“I’m here,” he says, rubbing my arm, and a tear slides down my cheek. “I got you.”

We sit like that in silence until I manage to rebuild my armor. The wounds carved into my soul are not healed, but they are no longer so exposed to the cruel elements.

I look at Max, giving him a small, watery smile. “Thank you,” I whisper, our faces close.

Max wipes the tears off my cheek. “Friends first.” They are just two simple words, yet I’ve not felt this safe in a very long time.

I nod.

“How can I help?” he asks, his eyes locked on mine, gentler than I’ve ever seen them.

“You are helping.”

His lips twitch. “Yeah? Tell that to your tear ducts.”

I roll my eyes and brush away another stray tear. “I should go.”

Max tugs on my ponytail playfully. “How is he?”

I shrug. “He’s only woken up a couple of times.”

Max’s face turns contemplative. “I’ve met a couple in the past,” he says. “Demons, I mean.”

“Oh?” I’m not sure why that surprises me. Demons and berserkers share many traits, so it makes sense that they would travel in similar circles.

He nods. “Not for a while, but you should bring him here. When he’s stronger.”

I smile. “Thanks, Max.” I stand up and give him a small, sassy smirk. “Thanks for the ride too. For the last time.”

“We’ll see,” Max says, rolling his eyes. “You know, I have a sister, so I get it.”

“You do?” I ask, my eyes widening.

Max nods. “Yeah, she’s a handful too. She’s not a newly Fallen angel, but she’s got a problem with substances.”

“That’s really tough, Max. Do you see her often?” I ask, stepping closer to him.

Max snorts. “Only when she needs money or protection, but I’m trying to say that I know how you’re feeling. It is difficult to be the responsible one to a sibling who wants to fight against you.”

My lips twitch. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been labeled the responsible one before.”

“First time for everything.” Max looks out the window dramatically. “Yeah, the realms are still there, so they haven’t suddenly ended with Summer Tuatha De Daanan becoming a responsible sibling. Would you look at that?”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “See you later, asshole. Thanks again.” I flip him off as I leave his office.

Back at the house, I check on Rafe and Alice. They’ve barely moved, both still deeply asleep. I scoop my restored phone off the floor.