Guilt ripples through me every time I think about how I was the only one to come out of the tunnels unharmed.
“Well, it would seem you’re good to go, Ms. McGuire.” The doctor packs up his equipment and nods at Valen where he lounges against the wall, seemingly deep in thought.
I don’t remember much from the tunnels after getting ambushed. The feeling of desperation when I saw Valen held captive was all-encompassing. Panic was clearly written across his face, and knowing those vampires were holding him against his will had me fighting to get to him. As a measly human, I knew nothing I did would be enough, so I called desperately on my power to save my mate and friends. His whimpers of pain sent me over the edge, and a searing pain coming from my chestflooded my system. After that, everything was black, and I didn’t come to until I was here being examined by a doctor. Valen said Zav brought us to a hotel dedicated to supernaturals that has an in-house doctor who caters to all kinds of beings.
“Are you okay?” Valen asks quietly, uncrossing his legs and slowly walking toward me.
“Fuck no. Are you?” I parrot.
He shakes his head, tousling his dirty hair. “Far from it for so many reasons.”
I hold out my hand, and he approaches where I’m perched on the edge of the bed. Sliding his strong hand into mine, he sits so we’re pressed together thigh to thigh. I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. He releases a breath at the contact, ruffling my hair. I’m sure I look a mess, but he doesn’t comment on it.
“How’re Zav and Celine?” I ask reluctantly.
I want to know how they are, but I’m scared to hear the answer.
Valen runs his thumb over my fingers soothingly. “As good as they can be.” He glances at me nervously before continuing at my nod. “Celine’s arm is fractured and she’ll be in a cast for eight to twelve weeks, depending on how it heals. Zav is fine, besides losing his shit over her being injured.”
I deflate at his words and can’t help but remember what Jade said about her mom. In trying to save my loved ones, I endangered their lives and now Celine is hurt. Realistically, I know it could’ve been much worse—we could’ve all been taken or killed—but in my current state of self-loathing, I can’t make myself see reason.
At the emotions rumbling around my head, that pulsing in my core start to build again, and a gasp rips out of me. It’s not painful now that the ball seems to have untangled itself, but it’s a foreign feeling, and I’m afraid of it. The more panicked I get,the more it tingles through all my limbs. I stand abruptly. Mentally, I try to push it down as far as I can. I’m terrified of that well overflowing and bursting again.
“Don’t come near me right now,” I gasp out, extending a hand to keep Valen away from me. “I don’t have control of myself and I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”
Valen holds his hands out like I’m a wounded animal, and the caution in his eyes breaks my heart. He’s not scared of me butforme.
“Ava,” he pleads softly, my name laced with desperation. “Starlight, you’re not going to hurt anyone. It’s okay. You were trying to protect us, and we know it. Zavier and Celine aren’t angry at you, if that’s what you’re worried about. She’s been asking to see you.” He hits me with puppy dog eyes, and I crack.
“I’m scared, Valen,” I cry and fight the tears welling up. Angrily swatting them away, I steel myself. “What good are powers that hurt those I love? I know they’re new to me so it’s natural to flounder, but Jade killed her own mother with hers!”
“It’s okay to be scared.” He attempts to take a step closer to me, but I back up. “Thinking you’re human your whole life and learning you’re a witch is one thing. To have your powers manifest in such a traumatic way is another, but I want you to know I’m here for you every step of the way. You’re not alone in this, and Zav and Celine would say the same thing,” he says confidently. “Do you want to see them?”
Shifting nervously, I take stock of the power in my chest. It feels like a living, breathing organism, but now that I’m settling down, it does the same.
“Yes, please,” I squeak out.
Following him out the door and to another room right across from mine, I take a deep breath before knocking on the dark wooden door.
“Come in,” Zav hollers from inside.
Valen hands me a key card. I slide it into the door and wait for the green light before pulling down on the handle. It opens with ease, and I can’t help but notice the rich citrusy scent that fills the room.
Turning the corner, I spot Celine in bed, propped up by Zav behind her. He cradles her to him like a precious treasure, and I prepare myself for both of them to look at me like I’m a monster.
“Aves!” Celine cries and attempts to sit up.
Zav hushes her and keeps her tight to him without jostling her casted arm. I wince at the visual but am amazed to see their eyes filled with nothing but worry.
“Celine, I am so sorry.” I bite down on my lip, damming my tears. “I can’t believe I hurt you like that. I don’t think I can ever forgive myself,” I blurt out, but she simply shakes her head and motions me closer.
Pulling me into a gentle side hug, Celine clutches me to her. “Stop that right now. This was not your fault. If anything, we should be thanking you for saving our asses. There was no way we were going to get out of there at the rate we were going. Would I rather my arm not be fractured? Sure, but the damage is minimal and will heal.” Zav growls at the last part but isn’t focused on me when he does it.
I pull away from Celine and lean back into Valen, who hovers behind me.
“Once my boo bear heals more, we need to talk about what the fuck just happened,” Zav says while clutching Celine tighter to him. “There’s some messed-up shit afoot, and the Mystery Inc. Gang has to get to the bottom of it.”
It’s then that we glance around at each other and realize we’re still dressed up in costumes. We burst outlaughing. The moment of reprieve is much needed amid all the doom and gloom.
