CHAPTERONE
CHARLIE
If all the beauty in the world could be condensed into a single fragment of time, I experienced its entirety the moment my wife woke from her coma. Every laugh, every smile, every caress of a loved one’s skin seemed to burst through and slam into my chest. I became so overwhelmed that I turned to a statue. I couldn’t think, couldn’tbreatheas I took in the miraculous moment.
A week ago, Ava-Marie had died. The compound beneath the Institute’s graveyard— where the Warden had been running his sick experiments on inmates— had come crashing down on her. She’d created an explosion to save us all and stop the Infernal Underground. But through her phoenix form, Oberi had brought Ava back to life, though it’d been Ava’s choice for her soul to return or not.
My friends and I had come to the hospital to say our final goodbyes, but we didn’t have to say goodbye after all. Ava-Marie wasawake. She’d returned from the Ancestral Lands. I’d thought for certain she’d chosen to stay in the afterlife… but she’d come back to me.
“Gods, Ava! You’re back,” Kallie cried out before I had a chance to say anything.
The hospital room erupted into a chorus of thrilled voices, our friends’ glee overlapping one another.
“Welcome back to the land of the living,” Marcus said cheerfully, though his voice cracked with emotion.
“By Atlantis, it’s a miracle!” Ivy cried. He shoved me aside and threw himself past me. I couldn’t see what was happening, but I assumed he was hugging Ava. I stumbled to the side a step, though I didn’t let go of her hand.
“We’re so glad you’re awake.” Opal sobbed.
Ezekiel spoke quickly through tears. “Sis, I’msosorry about what I said to you. I never should’ve treated you that way.”
Chancey and Alistair spoke over one another. I couldn’t process what anyone else said. The sounds were overwhelming, swelling over me like white noise. All I could do was stand there in shock. I didn’t know what to say. A moment ago, I’d made the decision to take my wife off life support. The doctors were certain she wouldn’t make it. Now, her soft voice and lively energy filled the room.
Thank the ancestors, she’s here! Oberi’s relieved tone cut through my mind. He sounded so happy.
“Guys,” Ava pleaded in a hoarse but confident tone. She must’ve pushed at Ivy, because he finally peeled himself off of her and stepped back. “I’m awake. It’s not that big of a deal.”
The room went dead silent as we all took in her words. Ava hadnoidea what a miracle this was.
Ava struggled to speak. “Can I have a moment with Charlie?”
No one moved for a beat, until Kallie answered. “Yes. Of course.”
Everyone shuffled out of the room, until Ava and I were alone with Oberi. I squeezed her hand tightly, and tears of relief sprang from my eyes.
“Pidge,” I said breathlessly. I couldn’t express myself in words. All I could do was lean down and squeeze her into a gentle hug.
Ava stilled in my arms. “Charlie, what’s going on? You’re acting like we haven’t spoken in forever.”
I choked back a sob as I drew away. Ava may be awake, but she wasn’t fully healed yet. I had to be extra careful with her. She was so fragile.
“We… haven’t,” I spoke in a broken voice.
The weight of the situation must’ve hit Ava. Her fingers brushed the sheets. “Charlie, lay next to me.”
Immediate hesitation overwhelmed me. I was terribly concerned I’d do something to set her back… make her fall into that coma again. “I can’t. You’re still hooked up to the machines, and I could hurt you, and—”
“You’ll be careful. I need to feel you next to me. Please.”
She tugged lightly on my arm. I pulled the covers back so I could crawl into the bed beside her. I made sure to feel where the medical tubes were so I didn’t tear them out as I carefully maneuvered into the bed.
I was extremely careful with her as I looped my arm around her shoulders. She hadn’t left this bed in over a week, and she’d just undergone serious surgery. I needed to be gentle. Ava rested her head on my chest, and when she did that, I felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders.
I heard Oberi’s nails click as he padded to the other side of the bed. I felt his fur as he laid his head next to Ava’s hand.Ava. I missed you, my dear love.
Ava gave a tired sigh. “You’re all acting like I’ve been out of it for an eternity.”
Sure felt like it. Oberi jumped onto the end of the bed and lay over our feet. I tried not to tremble, but I failed.
