I realize that Everett quit talking when I find him staring at me. “Are you good? We can go inside if you’re uncomfortable.”
“No. I’m fine.” I attempt to position myself where I can’t see nosy neighbor dude and try to listen to Everett.
He continues talking for a few minutes before saying he’ll call me later and heads out. It’s all but two seconds before I look back over and notice the guy hasn’t moved an inch. Great. Crazy right in my own backyard. But I can’t bring myself to care enough right now to do anything but ignore him even if he’s annoying. Exhaustion is finally heavy enough that I want to fall back to sleep.
Draping my arm over my eyes, I close them and just absorb the heat of the sun against my skin. I feel myself drift in and out of sleep. But each time I’m woken up by some flicker of the crash or a stabbing pain in my side or shoulder that’s all in my head.
Even during the brightest time of the day, I can’t escape my nightmares.
8
LUCA
“Are you ready?” Micah asks.
“For what?”
He moves beside me, his back resting against the rail. “Our Girl Scouts meeting. What the hell do you think? Next round of Mercy.”
“Yeah. I’m ready.”
I can feel him gauging me as he says, “You’re the last one. All of the other invitees have fought and secured their spot in the game. I know fighting at the Tomb is more my thing, so if you need any tips, let me know.”
He’s the last person I’d ever ask advice from because I don’t trust that he’d actually try to be helpful.
I’ve always heard twins have a special connection, a linked psyche where they can complete each other’s thoughts and even sense when something is off with the other. That couldn’t be any further from the truth for Micah and me. I don’t see how it would be possible to feel more disconnected from him than I already do.
However, on the exterior, we’re identical. We both stand right at six feet and have the same athletic build. I swear he copies my workout to make sure our statures remain consistent.Our eyes are the same gray-blue eyes contrasted by our dark-brown hair. The cut is even the same, because every time I change mine, he changes his. So, I quit trying.
When he realized I wanted to separate myself, it became a competition for him to mirror me. And Mercy has intensified the who’s-the-better-twin rivalry tenfold. Because whoever wins will certainly have power over the other. And for us both, that would be the worst possible outcome.
I’ve followed the game as closely as I possibly could since the first round when I accepted the exclusive invitation. Now for the second round, all confirmed invitees have to fight at the Tomb. Bleed. How original. They want us to prove our dedication as we bleed for Mercy. But I’ll gladly do it. I have enough pent-up rage that beating the shit out of someone won’t be a problem. So this way, it serves two purposes—secure my place and let off some steam.
“Do you really think we have a shot at going all the way?”
I might not have a connection with him, but I know his schemes. He’s trying to make me think he’s doubting himself, so I’ll question myself.
It won’t happen.
I know how this ends.
There’s no other choice.
“You don’t.”
He chuckles. “Figures. Almighty Luca is sure of himself. It’s not like anything can infiltrate the guy made of stone.”
“Cut the shit. We have the same goal and will do whatever necessary to take out the other.”
His lips stretch into a smile. “Indeed.”
“Ah, is the event we can’t discuss underway already?” Dad asks as he walks over.
Micah answers, “Just tell us what to expect. How would they know if you did?”
Dad looks edgy, which doesn’t happen often. “They’ll know. Trust me. Somehow, they know everything.” He grips the handrail as he looks over the backyard and mutters, “They always find a way to get inside your head and pull out your deepest, murkiest secrets and cruelest fears.”
“Can’t wait.” Micah snickers, “How about you, Luca? Ready to partake in our destiny?”
