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I grip the collar tight.

I feel the anticipation in my gut, knowing what comes next. I’m not the same helpless girl, and Cade is no longer their puppet.

This time, we’re both ready to set the world on fire.

Tell my brother to hurry up.

I’m ready to kill these fuckers and go home.

CHAPTER 31 CADE

I try to distract myself from the evil thing a few feet above my head. But the whispering—it keeps messing with me.

I feel as if I’m aware of everything happening inside of my body as I try to block out the things happening outside of it. Yet I can’t get a grip. I’m lost in my own damn mind—wondering if what’s happening is real. If these feelings are even mine.

Being near this cursed book makes me feel disconnected, like I’m losing a part of myself. It doesn’t even feel like I’m really here. My eyes find one of the windows as I glance out at a cloud. I close my eyes and think of you.

Calli had mentioned once that the book felt alive. I chose not to believe her. Would things have been different if I had?

It didn’t feel this way when I was in my dream. When I was with you.

I just need to keep reminding myself that I’m not alone, they may be incompetent, but we’re all here for the same reason.

For a moment I swear I hear Calli’s voice in my mind. Distorted and low.

“I’m ready,” I swear I hear her say.

That’s good. I’m ready to get the fuck off this plane.

“I think I quite prefer tequila to whiskey,” Jack says, swirling his glass.

“You realize it’s my body that will suffer the consequences of your actions; we’re on a fucking mission,” Jack also says, throwing the glass at the floor in front of the stewardess’s feet.

Stunned, she immediately drops and begins picking up the shards of broken glass.

“Apologies, he’s off his medication,” Kai says, attempting to hide his discomfort.

“No trouble at all, sir,” she replies with an awkward smile.

At this point, maybe it would have been a better idea that Alok had taken over my body.

“Could you please stop acting like this? I’m in no mood to deal with you right now. Either of you,” Kai lectures them as if they were petulant children.

“Don’t lump me in with the idiot you decided to bring along.”

“I’m not sure which one of you was speaking, but I think it applies to both of you. Now shut up,” Kai retorts.

“All of you shut up,” I say, my voice sharp.

The plane starts to shake and I jump in my seat. Who the fuck willingly chooses to subject themselves to this? I turn my head away, trying to avoid the sight. Then I hear the pilot’s voice.

“We’re experiencing a little bit of turbulence; feel free to buckle up and try not to move about the cabin until it’s passed.”

A little bit? That felt like a fucking earthquake.

“Cade is just cranky because he doesn’t like to fly,” Jack says, side-eyeing me. “What’s up with that? Bad experience?” Alok asks via Jack.

“I would prefer to not talk about it. Thank you.” I palm my forehead.