RHEA“Shit.”The curse slips out before I can stop it.For a moment, all I can do is stare after Wendy’s retreating figure, my pulse hammering against my ribs. Then I force myself to look away from her and focus on the girl trembling in my arms.Iris has both hands clamped tightly over her ears. Her eyes are squeezed shut, her lips moving soundlessly as though she’s trying to convince herself she’s somewhere else entirely.“Iris.”Nothing.“Iris, hey.”Her breathing is ragged. Too fast.The panic around us doesn’t seem to exist to her anymore. The shattered glass. The smoke. The screaming. She’s trapped somewhere inside her own head.I cup her face gently.“Iris, look at me.”Her lashes flutter.“She’s gone,” I tell her quietly. “Do you hear me? Wendy’s gone.”For a second, nothing happens. Then her eyes slowly open. They’re bloodshot and glassy with tears. Good. At least she’s looking at me.I let out a careful breath.I know this feeling.Maybe not for the same reasons, but I know w
Last Updated : 2026-09-18 Read more