I shove the dead phone in my pocket and pull my arms tighter around myself. The cold’s settling in. The light’s almost gone.
I should move. Find somewhere better for the night.
I don’t.
Chapter 24
Kyron
Walking for hours sucks, but I won’t stop until I find her.
The others split off to cover more ground. I kept moving.
If I were Nova, where would I go?
Not the main streets. Too exposed. Not anywhere well-lit. She’d want shadows, corners, places to disappear.
I check an alley behind a row of shops. Nothing.
Where would she feel safe?
Stupid question. She probably doesn’t feel safe anywhere. But she’d want walls at her back. A way to see who’s coming before they see her.
Another alley. Empty.
Come on, Nova. Where are you?
I’m guessing. I know I’m guessing. I’ve watched her for weeks but that doesn’t mean I know how she thinks, how she survives, what fifteen years on the streets actually taught her. I’m fumbling in the dark hoping I trip over something useful.
Third alley.
I almost miss her.
She’s tucked against the wall, knees up, arms wrapped around herself. Small. So fucking small, folded into the shadows like she’s trying to disappear.
She’s not moving.
My heart stops.
I’m across the alley before I realize I’m running, on my knees beside her, hands on her face. Her skin is cold. Too cold.
“Nova.”
Nothing.
“Nova, wake up.”
I tap her cheek. Her head lolls.
“Come on. Look at me.”
I press my fingers to her throat. Pulse. Weak, slow, but there.
She’s alive.
The relief almost takes me out.
Then the anger kicks in.
