Our world was changing faster than I could keep up with, and before I could mentally prepare myself for the next step, a fist pounded on the door, sending shockwaves through the apartment.
“Meeting downstairs in fifteen,” Owen yelled.
I flinched and pressed my hand to my chest. “My God, I didn’t live through Ultimus just to be killed by a heart attack.”
With a slow breath, I side-eyed the TV.
After the anchor had abandoned her post, they’d resorted to showing endless footage of the rage and attacks across the world.
Even if I’d been back to a hundred percent health, it would have been too much. “I’m not sure I’m physically up to this yet,” I said.
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
Theo looked me over, no doubt noticing my haggard appearance. “Want me to carry you down there?”
The glimpse of humour in his eyes made me ache for the old version of him, the one who’d been all about teasing and fun. “Thanks, but my dignity couldn’t survive another trip like that.”
“We’ll take it slow then and keep the meeting short,” he said. “Talk about securing the building and agree on a few basic rules. The rest can wait until you’re feeling stronger.”
Lethal force. Security. Enraged bodies with faulty wiring.
I couldn’t wrap my mind around this being my life now, but I needed to get on board fast or I’d be left behind.
Theo didn’t make a move to leave. He stared at me for a beat longer, then slipped his hand around the back of my neck and eased me in closer. As his lips pressed to my forehead, I let out a heavy breath and softened against him.
My hands rested at his waist, and I closed my eyes, soaking up the quiet moment before everything changed.
“Ready?” he asked, pulling back.
My stomach pitched, and the feeling of serenity fled.
Like an idiot, I opened my eyes and nodded.
Theo and I were the last to arrive in the foyer, and every face turned toward us, eyes full of worry.
Suddenly, surviving Ultimus was no longer the biggest news in the building.
Ellie and Willow were squished together on one of the armchairs, their eyes lighting up when they spotted me. Laura let out a restrained cheer from the other chair, and Owen perched on the arm, giving us a thumbs up in greeting. Seeing all my favourite people gathered in one place felt like a homecoming—I just wished it could have been under better circumstances.
“Hey, everyone.” Winded after descending the stairs, I took a moment to recover.
“Woo! Sadie, my girl.” Tim left Varesh by the mailboxes and rushed over to me. He patted the air at shoulder level, stopping just short of touching me. “I’ve never been so happy to see your face—or half of it, anyway.”
Although I suspected they were pointless once the biting kicked in, we were all still wearing masks.
“Where’s Kerger?” Theo asked.
“In his apartment, awaiting further instructions.” Varesh stepped away from the mailboxes and strolled over to Dustin’s broken door, banging his fist on the wall. “Out you come.”
I’d never heard him use that tone before, and I shared a surprised look with Theo.
“Dustin lost all his power after Laura turned his apartment into a rage cage,” Tim commented, “and Varesh absorbed it. It’s hot seeing him take control.” He nudged me with his elbow. “Here he comes.”
Laura and Owen rose from their seats, positioning themselves in front of the girls as Dustin slipped into the foyer.
We were all decked out in comfortable clothes, but Dustin refused to give up on the pants and buttoned-up shirt that had become his unofficial uniform. His hair was still neatly combed, his lower face covered in a pristine mask. On the surface,nothing had changed, and yet… everything was different. His posture less stuffy and more defensive, his eyes darting around rather than sweeping over everyone with disdain.
