There was nothing in his eyes but agony. Not a hint of recognition or understanding, only pain so intense that it rendered me speechless.Asher’s memories still lingered in my vision, imprinted on the back of my eyelids every time I blinked. Sean’s face covered in blood, the way grandma stared at Asher, seeing so clearly that it wasn’t him behind those golden eyes, hearing Asher’s screams—the way every bit of ferocity and strength left him when he realized what he’d done.All of it was too much, too overwhelming, but my reason for staying strong was right here, inches away and crumbling to dust in my hands.Tears streamed down Asher’s face, down his cheeks where they trickled off his jaw, tickling my wrists from where I cradled his head. I curled into his chest, holding his empty stare with every sob he held back.His pain and guilt were a sandstorm that tore into me, scraping away at my skin, but no matter how badly I wanted to cry out and shield myself, I held back. I’d take the pai

We set Sean down in the grass off the side of the road. I stood over the body of my big brother, still not allowing myself to process what had happened. The gashes across his neck and chest were unimportant. His skin was almost translucent, blending in with the muted colors of the grass so well that it was both beautiful and haunting. The way the moonlight streamed down onto his body, turning him silver, was a sight I’d never forget.“I’m so sorry about Sean, Lola. I’m so sorry.” Holly’s shaky whisper came from behind.Her voice was swallowed by the night, stolen by the stillness that surrounded us. I sank to my knees at Sean’s side, trailing my eyes over his dark hair and long lashes.“What are you planning to do?” Holly asked.The clear note of hesitation in her voice prompted me to turn my head in her direction. I scowled, confused as to why she needed me to say it aloud. A chill skated down my spine, one I ignored as I looked down at Sean once more.“I’m going to bring my brother

There was no doubt in my mind that the place I had been was not of this world.Not only had Sean been there, confusing me with talk of some mysterious person watching over me, but the concept of pain had been elusive and just out of reach. The peace that hung in the air, shimmering as brightly as the magic interwoven to create a place that was both real and memory, could only belong to some kind of afterlife.At least, that’s what I was hoping.Pain was the first thing I felt as that place slipped away. It held my head in its strong grip, claws digging into my scalp to produce a throbbing pain that chased me into consciousness. I hadn’t even opened my eyes yet and there it was.When I did manage to peel my lids back, I tried to recoil at the pale face staring out at me.More pain engulfed me, stinging my wrists, neck, and ankles. It blasted my mind, sapping my strength until even calling out to the shadows felt impossible.I craned my head down, staring blankly at the silver-plated cu

“Unless you want to carry the two of us the entire way, I’m going to need some blood.” I groaned.The second Ember removed the cuffs, my body slumped forward like a sack of bricks.My flesh had become a dead weight that refused to cooperate with my exhausted brain. Concrete bit into the palms of my hands as I struggled to stand to my feet. Ember huffed and released her hold on Brandon, letting him crash to the floor as she knelt at my side.“Agh! Fuck, Ember. Could you have been any rougher?” Brandon groaned, cradling his bloody wrists against his chest.She side-eyed him and said, “Yes, actually. I could’ve.”“Well, thanks for being gentle.” Brandon shot back sarcastically.Ember thrust out her arm, her wrist inches from my face. She stared down at me with a scowl on her face. It deepened when I stared at her through cloudy, disoriented eyes.“I don’t care if you’re on your death bed, this is a one-time offer. Bite me and take some blood before I change my mind.”My vision doubled as

As the back patio came into view, along with Asher’s broad shoulders and unruly hair, I realized my gut had been right after all. Flecks of dazzling gold swirled in his eyes and were bright even in the dark, much brighter the porch lights with their artificial glow. His shoulders visibly relaxed as his eyes settled on my face. Only I could see and feel the fury that painted his iris’s gold. While my vision might’ve tunneled on Asher, I didn’t fail to notice he wasn’t alone. Reclined on the swinging bench was Breyona and Giovanni. Mason and Clara occupied the two chairs off to the side. There wasn’t a single smiling face, only scowls carved deep with worry. I’d almost forgotten about Ember and Angelica, both of which were partially concealed behind my back, until Asher let out a snarl that nearly shook the entire house. Ember went deathly still. The temperature rose several degrees, quick enough that a sweat began to break out along the back of my neck. I took a step towards my mat