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When she reaches the table, she raises her eyebrow at me. “Do what you want with me,” she says. “You can be as rough as you like.”

I don’t want to be rough, but I do know exactly how I want her.

I help her onto the table, splay her legs, put them over my shoulders and make her lie back. Then I fuck her until there is no cum left inside me, her clit is swollen, and she is trembling on my cock.

When she sits up, legs still wrapped around me, she kisses me and whispers, “I love you.”

I brush her hair from her face. “I love you too.”

14

KIM

The wound on my neck, which Zephyra healed, is still throbbing. I rub it and try not to make eye contact with Nova.

I feel as if – if I look at her – she’ll know what I’ve done. How I betrayed her.

She watches Kole leave, and it’s like her whole body wants to follow him.

I remember that feeling. I would have followed Kaitlin anywhere. To the ends of the earth. I’d have given up everything and anything for her.

In the end, I suppose I’ve done both.

I’ve given up my soul… my conscience.

For her.

“Kim?” Nova turns away from the door as it closes and brushes her hand over my neck. “It healed.”

“They healed it. Guess they didn’t want me bleeding out.”

Her touch is warm – too warm.

She leans in and, before I realize what’s happening, her arms are around me and she’s holding me close. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this. So sorry.”

“I volunteered.” I pull away awkwardly and slide down the wall, sitting with my legs tucked up and my arms around my knees.

“I know, but I still feel responsible.”

I shake my head, adjust my glasses. They’re broken, almost hanging off my nose, but still mostly intact.

Nova crouches in front of me and puts her hands on my knees. She smiles, and for a moment I’m reminded so much of Kaitlin that I can barely breathe.

“It’s going to be okay. We’ll get out of here.”

I try to smile back, but guilt gnaws at the raw inner walls of my gut and makes me want to hurl. Zephyra asked me to stay close, find out what they’re planning, and try to do anything I can to get between the two of them. Nova and Kole. The Fire Bird and her Ink Heart.

“Where did the nickname Fire Bird come from?” I ask, clearing my throat.

Nova sits down, crosses her legs and sighs a little.

“It’s a nickname the Human Extinction League had for me.” Her brow crumples and she bites her lower lip. “You’ve heard of the Prophecy? The Original Six?”

I have. But only because Zephyra has told me about them. Here, they are not common knowledge.

So, I shake my head.

Nova shuffles back and leans against the wall opposite. Then she tells me… tells me everything.