A gentle breeze wafts through the courtyard, carrying the heavy promise of rain with it. The palm fronds rustle and whisper as if sharing secrets of the impending downpour. I can almost hear the water rushing down the streets and smell the petrichor as it mingles with the sand and debris that will inevitably clog the storm drains. It’s time to go.
“Wake me if there’s news about Dimitri’s accomplice. The one that got away,” I tell Ry.
He nods, his eyes never leaving Gianna’s face. “Will do.”
I leave the courtyard, and seconds later, footsteps tap behind me. Brigid’s hand grips my upper arm, her touch searing my skin through my sleeve. My room is to the left, and hers is to the right. We’ve been through this routine countless times.
“Brigid, I’m exhausted,” I firmly tell her.
“Can we talk a bit? It feels like I angered you with how I handled things earlier.”
“You think so?”
A flush of color rises in her cheeks. She hurries to explain. “I’m sorry. Having you back . . . it’s been a whirlwind. Stellan is a good guy, but not everyone takes his message the same. I just didn’t want Dimitri’s actions to reflect on him or the Nebula who follow him. You know how the media likes to twist things.”
I fold my arms. “The media or Stellan?” They are one and the same.
“That’s not fair.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about Stellan’s rally? You made me think I needed you if I wanted an audience with him.”
Brigid drops her gaze. “I wanted an excuse to spend more time with you. Having you here has been difficult. You’re the same, yet different, and I’m just trying to figure out where I fit.”
“Fit?”
“In your life.”
“We’re friends, Brigid.”
She steps closer. “What if I want more?”
“Brig—”
“Just hear me out.” I turn away, but she yanks me back to face her. “After you left, I realized something.”
“Brigid, stop.”
“I love you, and I can’t just switch that off. You make me feel seen, important, and on equal footing. None of my other partners have ever made me feel that way.”
An uncomfortable tightness fills my chest. None of her other partners were Nebula. She dated Epsilon, whom she thought were better than her because she didn’t think highly of herself. “We agreed to keep things casual, and now you’re telling me you love me, all while knowing I’m with someone else. How is that fair?”
“I should have held onto you tighter,” she offers.
I sigh. Brigid was my distraction. It was never serious for me. But it’s my fault if she got the wrong impression.
“Brigid, I’m sorry, but we never should have crossed those lines. It wasn’t fair to either of us. We were hurting.” The light in her eyes dims. “You are important to me, but I am not in love with you and won’t ever be. I’m sorry.” Gently, I withdraw myself from her grasp.
Brigid blinks, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, before taking a deep breath.
“It’ll never last,” she says. “Leigh’s queen and queens marry princes or wealthy Epsilons. You’re a Nebula, Wilder. You have a chance to get a fresh start here. Don’t throw away your future for her. If you’re going to Stellan’s rally, you’ll see he is trying to make changes for us. He deserves your support. So do I. Meet me there, and I will introduce you. I wasn’t lying. He is my friend, and so are you.”
Her words sting, hitting a nerve I’d rather not acknowledge. Sure, I’ve had my doubts, and I’m not blind to our complications, but Leigh and I have been navigating this mess together since day one. We’ve fought tooth and nail for every moment we’ve shared. I’m not ready to give her up. Brigid’s offer to introduce me to Stellan is genuine, but comes with strings attached. The more favors she does for me, the more she’ll expect in return.
“Goodnight, Brigid,” I mutter, stalking to my room.
I close the door and let out a shuddering breath. The room is dark, the only light comes from the soft luminance of the moon filtering through the window. Collapsing onto the mattress, I sink into the soft comforter and pull out my phone.
My thumb hovers over Leigh’s name. I want to call her, hear her voice, and tell her how much I miss her. But for some reason, I hesitate.
