I stayed in bed for nearly a week, focusing on resting. I talked to Poe once we were alone, but he acted as he always had, like a bird. It got to the point where I wondered if I'd just imagined him as a human. Maybe I'd even imagined it all. But the pendant I wore told me differently, and I could feel the Talent pulse along my skin, spreading like a burning rash.
"Are you sure you feel alright?" Mom asked for about the billionth time, while I shrugged on my coat. I'd considered leaving it behind, but settled for keeping it unzipped. Sweat beaded on my forehead and I wiped it away impatiently.
"I'm fine," I groaned, ignoring the slight tremble in my hand as I reached for the door handle. Okay, so I wasn't a hundred percent, but if I had to listen to her fawn over me all day again, I was going to scream; in that girly, horror film kinda way.
Mom followed me to the porch to wish Avery and her family a safe trip. The snow glare was bright and hurt my eyes, but the c
