Page 88

Rowan groans.

My attention snaps to where his hand is pressed over my wound. A warm glow, like a flashlight pressed against skin, emits from his hands. He’s healing me? But it looks like it’s hurting him. His skin is paler than usual, and his shoulders tremble as though he was hit with the lightning.

Is that how the healing affinity works? I’ve never seen it in action. I watch him work in fascination. My skin warms even more, but he looks close to passing out, so I wrap my hand around his wrist.

His glowing irises clash with mine.

“I’m okay,” I lie.

He squints, realizing as much, but the heat subsides. I feel farther away from death’s door. Somehow the silver poison is barely even tainting my blood anymore, but I’m still sluggish from the aftereffects. I can’t even sit up. The ground cradles me, body sinking into the mud, rain splattering against my face.

Rowan staggers away from me.

My head lolls in his direction. “How did you do that?”

But my question goes unanswered as concerned shouts float over to us. I guess Ever, Eli, and Bree finally made it to dinner.

Rowan takes another step away, eyes flashing a brilliant shade of golden before he shifts into his lion form and charges away. I watch him stumble as he flees, his name on the tip of my tongue, but for some reason, I don’t call him back. I don’t understand what he did. I don’t know why he interfered. More questions than ever rush through my mind.

My vision dims.

Goddess, I’m so tired.

I’ll have to find the answers another day.

My friends refuse to leave my side after the incident with Melody. Ever, Eli, and Bree flank me like sentinels as I walk to class. Thanks to whatever healing magic Rowan used, they have no idea how close to dying I was. They were so upset when they found me, I couldn’t bring myself to tell them about the severity of my injuries or what Rowan did, especially since I don’t understand any of it.

The one good thing? I have a few silver daggers now. Vaeloria knows I’m keeping those on me at all times. They’re heavier in the thigh sheaths, but the extra sense of security is worth it.

I cover a yawn with the back of my hand. There was no sleeping after the attack. I spent half the night pacing and jumping at every noise outside my door.

Ever glares at a shifter who walks a little too close to our group. I’m pretty sure Bree is ready to shred minds. Eli, though? He’s toying with the blood of any Foundation he thinks stares for too long, drawing it out of their skin and creating shapes in the air around their heads.

“This is really not necessary,” I say, tucking my hair behind my ear and grasping the strap of my backpack.

The late November air is crisp with the promise of winter. With our metabolisms, paranorms naturally run warmer than humans, but a higher core temperature means we lose heat faster. We can tolerate below-zero temperatures to a point before we notice the cold. I’ll need to dig into the savings I’ve stashed away from work to buy a jacket before January in the mountains hits.

“I disagree. It’s completely necessary, especially if you’re not going to report it.” Ever shakes her head hard. She still doesn’t agree with my decision, but what exactly would Chancellor Tweed do to punish his niece? Nothing. If there were ever a time to shut up, it’s now.

Ever sighs. “I’m just worried. You were jumped, Raina. You may have defied death once again, but you won’t always.”

Bree links her arm with mine. “And as much as it bothers you, we happen to love you.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” I say quickly.

“Right, so it’s just the trauma that makes you standoffish, then?” Bree quips.

“Don’t go in my head,” I grumble.

“I didn’t need to be inside your head to know that. You’re a classic case of: love always meant pain, so now I don’t know what to do when it’s safe.”

The silence that follows Bree’s words is awkward. I avoid looking at any of my friends. Is it truly that obvious? Here I thought I was doing a good job acting normal. Am I that broken?

The illusion is a manifestation of your mind.

I scowl at the unwelcome memory of what Drake said and tighten my grip on my straps.

“Wait. Is that like chocolate never hurt me?” Ever asks to dispel the discomfort snaking between our group.