[Lily]Godmother. Is that even a real thing anymore? Do people still have godmothers?Apparently, I still do. And my godmother is a famous supermodel. “But I don’t know you,” I say without thinking, only seeing that my words hurt by the way she steps back, her eyes dark with sadness. “That doesn’t mean I don’t believe you, but it seems strange that my mother would leave me to someone I hadn’t even met.”“You’ve met me,” she laughs, “But you were little the last time and don’t remember. I think you were maybe four at the time. I used to come out and spend summers with your mom before my…” she looks over at Link and winces, “before my breakup with Link’s father. I stopped coming to California, and it wasn’t safe for her to come back to New York,” she explains. “Your grandfather didn’t want her ANYWHERE near the city ever again. In his mind she was dead…”“Until she was,” I murmur, growing bitter as I consider my grandfather and how he didn’t care about my existence until the only perso

[Lily]Atticus is making a huge ruckus, so while Link goes downstairs to talk some sense into him, I lean out Alexis’ window.“Atticus!” I hiss down at him. “What are you doing? Are you drunk?”As he rocks on his feet he is quite clearly drunk. “You left without saying anything,” he sways, barely standing as he almost trips down the small stoop to look up at me. His face is flushed and he seems unable to stand still. “I left you a note!” I scream down at him, mystified by his suddenly possessive and obsessive behavior. “I told you I just needed a break. I’ve only been gone for..”“Two hours!” He holds up his phone to show

[Lily]That wasn’t the answer any of us were expecting. We are all racing away in the night avoiding Nyx’s dad and heading right back to the very place I was trying to escape and the best reason that Atticus could give to why Link’s plan would work is “because it would be fun…”Why would anyone find any part of this situation “fun.”“Does it matter why I’m doing it?” Atticus drawls, his voice taking on its usual sarcastic tone. “It should only matter to you that I’m willing to put my neck out there to save you.”“I’m grateful,” Nyx responds, her voice completely deadpan. “But that still doesn’t answer my question.”

[Lily]It’s amazing how fast things start to move when the Legacies make up their mind to do something. It takes us only moments to pack and in less than an hour we are in the air, flying back home with Nyx on one side of me and Link on the other. He decided to come with us to make sure Nyx arrived safely.The three of us spend the entire time chatting. Nyx and Link have a lot of catching up to do, but they don’t exclude me. If anything, I feel like I’m at the center of the conversation as the two of them tell me about all of their exploits from childhood. Seeing Nyx so relaxed warms my heart. I am grateful to Link for giving my friend this gift. He knows exactly what to say to cheer her up and I see her coming back to herself bit by bit. I've been a terrible friend to her. If only Link went to our school, then Nyx wouldn't be lonely again. She might even feel safe with such a strong ally on her side. I can feel Atticus’ gaze on the back of my head the entire ride back. Even though

[Lily]“Please…” Atticus begs. “Just, meet me in the library in 30 minutes, okay.”“Why,” I try to hold my head up a little higher as I take a prouder stance, squaring my shoulders and giving him a cold, hard stare. “Why should I?”“Because…” he takes a hesitant step forward as if whatever is happening between him and Evie in the next room has him tethered in place. If it weren't for his missing jacket and lipstick-stained t-shirt, I may be moved to sympathy. “Because you are my friend.”"Am I?" I wonder aloud. Evie calls his name and Atticus' head snaps back in her direction. “Please,” he pleads, looking torn. “Just please trust me.”I nod even though I'm not sure that trust is something I can give him right now. My heart is so heavy I feel its weight dragging me down. I’m not sure that I can manage any time alone with him. The last few times we've been alone he has kissed me. The first time it was forceful full of anger and pain. He was using me to work through his feelings, and