e cool wood a stark contrast to her burning skin.

r's face-trembled uncontrollably. She stared

ic as Chandler straightened his suit jacket. Then, the sharp, distinct

Each step was a deliberate, measured bea

faded. H

er fury began to recede, leaving

dd

f his headphones. His eyes, wide and worried, wer

orced her shaking legs to move, turning from

lt brittle, like a mask about to crack. "

nket covering Angus. Her fingertips were i

ightness of her smile. He didn't ask any more questi

d Chandler. The palm was reddened, and a faint tremor stil

eserv

collar couldn't quite hide. He squeezed her hand. "That's not the first time you've hit someone

m, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she fe

don't know what I'm doing, Angus. I'm trying to ho

ngers wrapping around hers. His grip

me. You have Brenna. You have-" He paused, his gaze flickering to

im. "You don't

t he offered to help. He offered

th the back of her sleeve. Her palm still st

aid. "He thinks in algorithms and proba

ed. "He gave you a choice. That's

, fragile, but still sharp. Sti

I'm supposed to d

't push away the people who are trying to help. You've been doing that yo

sound. "He's not weird.

ghost of his old mischief. "

to deny it. But the

he was

fied her more

her pocket. A sharp,

pp glowed on the screen: PAYMENT FAILED. The hospita

s was still weeks away. Chandler's threats echoed in her ears: Without

fication. She looked at Angus, who was watc

What's

d forced another smile, this one steadier. "

hausted sleep. Then she stood, kissed

llion lives. Somewhere out there, Chandler was plotting his next move. Somewhere out there, Fall

flection ghosting over the city below. Her mother's

pital corridor. She had thrown a ring at his

till here. St

n't open her banking app. She opened her contacts

g moment. Then, with a trembling

. Not until I unde

fore she could

s's bed, and sat down. She would stay here tonight, guarding her brot

he exhaustion was bone-deep, but beneath it lay the qui