Fate, it hurts. My vision spins. I raise my hands to my throat, squeeze my eyes shut, and push through the wall of pain.
"Hi…"
That’s all I manage, and it costs me everything. Aching temples, noise in my ears. What’s wrong with me?
Whatbrokeme like this?
Snow stops playing. A faint smile touches his lips.
"Hi, Summer."
Wow the guy has such a low, deep voice.
His eyes roam over my flushed face like he’s reading me, seeing everything I’ve been through, the turmoil, the struggle in me. And maybe he really does.
"Your memory. A reset?"
Reset? What does it even mean?
Still, I nod because it sounds like it fits, or at least like an excuse for my awkward behavior. I open my mouth again, but it does nothing, my breath seems caught in my throat. The fog presses in tighter; uneasiness arises.
Snow nods too.
"It’s okay, Summer. You’re safe. Your brother, Ragnar, brought you here from a mafia fortress, along with his fated mate, Sun. We’re Sun’s family. They gave you drugs to blockyour memory and erase your identity, so they could use your power."
What? That’s a helluva summary!
I stare at him, gaping, still being a creep. I know he’s telling the truth, but it slips away from me, impossible to hold. Frustration surges, as I press my hands to my temples.
Snow tilts his head.
"I can help a bit with your memory, but I can only bring back one day with this…" He taps his instrument.
Then lifts the harmonica back to his lips. The melody rises again.
This time the notes change, becoming more focused, directed. They pierce into me, cool me, open me. My body trembles, my knees buckle. But along with the weakness, my head clears.
Memories flood back.
24 hours ago
Shouts. The pounding of feet.
More shouting, distant gunfire.
"This way! We have to get out!"
My body jolts as someone carries me in their arms. I can’t move. I’m trembling, feeling cold.
"It’s okay, Summer. We’re out!" My brother’s voice breaks through the haze, trying to calm me, trying to pull me back. But I’m too far away…
Flashes. Words. Faces. A car pulls up.
Moments later, I’m inside.
We’re driving.
Time stops and speeds. I drift in and out. Eyes open, then close. Drifting again.
