Page 91 of The Darkest Parts of Me

“Did I not mention that part?”

I ignore the humorous tone to his voice, trying to make light of the situation.

“Nate,” I say, urging him to get it out. He turns to me with nothing short of dread in his eyes. “When do we leave?” I ask.

I already know the answer before it leaves his lips.

“Tomorrow.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Maven

The moment I open the door, something feels wrong, but I don’t see panic in Renn’s eyes, rather a mix of concern and worry. And his message, though cryptic, didn’t suggest there was anything to be worried about.

“We have another visitor . . .” he starts to say, and my mouth falls open, fear freezing my limbs until he adds, “It’s okay, we’re safe.”

My heart calms slightly, but I’m still worried because Renn also doesn’t seem overly happy about whoever this visitor may be. “So, what’s wrong then?” I ask, glancing around the cabin as if I can find something out of the ordinary. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but it all seems normal, nothing out of place.

“I have good news and bad news.”

I walk forward to meet him where he stands. “What is it?” I ask, barely above a whisper.

He looks down at me, his eyes sad, so I reach up and cup his cheek. He turns his head so his lips press against my palm, then grabs my other hand, pulling me into him. I wrap my arms around him and he holds me tight, resting his chin on my head. I always thought this gesture was meant to comfort me, but I realize it’s just as comforting to him. We mold into one another perfectly every time.

“Tell me the good news first,” I say, pressing my ear against his chest, finding the thumping of his heart steady even though he’s clearly troubled.

“Well, there’s really no other way to say this.” The hum as he speaks reverberates in his chest. “Nate is here.”

I pull away from his embrace and shake my head, bewildered. I thought Nate was dead.

As if he reads my thoughts, he continues, “He’s alive and has been looking for me.”

Just when I thought I had a grasp on all this, something else reveals itself.

“Nate’s alive.” It is not a question, more of a confirmation. He smiles warmly in response. “That’s amazing! Where is he now?” I ask, looking around.

“He took Shy for a walk. I asked him to give me a moment to explain everything to you.” I see the grievance flash in his green eyes, and it turns my stomach in knots, suddenly remembering that there is more.

“So, what’s the bad news?” My voice is not as steady as I hoped. He gulps nervously.

“I’m already breaking my promise to you.” My heart sinks in my chest, and the knots in my stomach become tighter. “Nate isn’t here just by chance.” I stare at him, unblinking, my heart beat becoming louder in my ears as he speaks slowly, “I have to go back with him.” I say nothing, nor do I move. “I have to go back to Earth.”

If my heart was erratic seconds ago, it might as well have stopped beating now, because all I can think of is the star atlas that he showed me earlier.

Was that only this morning?

All I can picture is the distance that he will have to travel, the literal miles upon miles of dark space that will be between us . . . I can’t fathom it.

“Why?” I ask, my voice wavering.

He inhales deeply, his chest rising and falling in deep breaths. “I have to finish what I started,” he says, looking back at me. “The association’s council, they’ve been handling everything while I’ve been away, and now they want me to come back to give an official account of my side of the story.” He pauses, shaking his head with annoyance. “And give me recognition for my good works.” He scoffs at that last part.

If there’s one thing I know about Renn, it’s that he doesn’t feel pride in what he did. Yes, he saved lives, but also lost many. People who were his family, so to speak. I’m starting to realize that a great deal of people see him for who he truly is, who he’s always been, a man of honor with a brave, kind, and loyal heart. Of course he would want to make things right.

“That’s not all,” he says.

I step back a little. “There’s more?” I ask softly, my voice unsteady as I try to process everything.

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