The fifth wave had finally loosened its grip, leaving us sprawled across cushions and floors, breathing hard, skin slick with sweat and each other. But the reprieve was brief. The heat in the hall had not diminished. It had only shifted, waiting, gathering itself for what came next.I lay on my back with Tessa draped across my chest and Wren's head on my stomach. Their breathing was slow but their eyes were still open, still watching. Still hungry."It's not over," Wren said. Her voice was soft but certain. "I can feel it coming again.""I feel it too," Tessa said. "It's like the air is getting thicker."Rook sat up nearby, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "I thought I was done. I thought I had nothing left.""You thought wrong," Silas said from across the room. He was standing now, his body still glistening. Vespera was at his feet, her hand resting on his ankle. "None of us are done. That's not how this works."Kael rolled onto his side and looked at Sable. "How many waves
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