His bone structure had grown, but he didn’t have muscle and fat to go with it.
His features were hollowed and emaciated.
Despair burned in my sternum.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “For leaving you. I took the test, and it all happened so fast. They took me—it was a massacre—then the crucible—then I found out... my blood—they used me.” I gasped for air, unable to get my thoughts in order.
Charlie shifted closer so we were leaning fully against each other.
His body was trembling.
“I was so scared,” he signed. “Everyone at school was talking about how you were a lost female Spartan, and that they’d taken you to Italy. I tried to find a way to get to you—but there’s no human travel across the Atlantic. There was no way to reach out. I’ve been sick with worry every day—Ishouldhave been there to protect you. You were never the fighter. It shouldn’t have had to be you... I’m so sorry.”
Tears streamed down his face.
I threw myself forward and wrapped my arms around him.
His skin was ice cold, like he hadn’t been warm in weeks, and I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all.
We held each other with desperation.
“If there was a choice between me and you having to do the crucible,” I whispered shakily, “I’d do it every time—you’re nota fighter either. Not really. Neither of us should have to live this way. We both deserve better.”
Long moments passed as we embraced.
I pulled back slightly.
“Where’s Fluffy?” I whispered in confusion, looking around the small empty structure.
Charlie bowed his head low.
“I tried,” he signed slowly. “I gave her all the jerky—but it wasn’t enough.”
My vision blurred over.
Nyx wasn’t here, so there was no one to feed her.
“She didn’t survive the early winter.” He buried his head in his hands and cried out, a heart-wrenching wail.
“It wasn’t your fault,” I gasped on a watery sob. “Please, it wasn’t your fault. Please. Please listen to me. Please.” Once again, I wrapped my arms around my younger brother and held him tight.
The wind howled sharply.
Branches clattered.
We were nothing but two broken souls trying our best to survive in a cruel, unforgiving world.
In that dark of night, we mourned together.
For Fluffy, who’d been nothing but a bright shining light of love in a heartless place.
For each other.
For the horrible days we’d spent apart.
I whispered into the flickering green light, “I promise—I’ll never leave you again. You’ll always be by my side.”
“Always,” he signed.
