Page 81 of Midnight Whispers

The sound of a helicopter fills the night as the paramedic pushes the stretcher down the alley toward the road. They’ll have to go to the open field just past downtown for the helicopter to land safely.

I bend down and kiss Cinder’s forehead. “Hang in there, princess. I’ll meet you there.”

Then I run the rest of the way to my car, desperate to reunite with her and beg her to forgive me for being a complete asshole.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

CINDER

Iwalk through the mist, not knowing which way to go. It’s all so confusing. Every other time I felt as though I was being pulled forward, and I had that voice to guide me. But now I just feel lost in an abyss.

Walking in one direction, I turn around and start in another. The fog never disperses or lessens, and I circle around, more confused than ever.

Then there’s a voice in my head. “We’re losing her!”

“I need another clamp?—”

The words fade away, and the fog recedes. But the more the fog lifts, all I see is darkness surrounding me.

“Cinder.”

It’s that same voice I heard in my dreams at Midnight Manor.

“Cinder…”

I turn toward the voice.

“You have to come this way.” The voice is kind, and I step in that direction.

As I move, the fog descends again and thickens.

“That’s it. Keep coming, Cinder. Keep walking.”

I do, but then there’s a flash of light. Then nothing.

The first thing I notice is constant beeping and the smell of antiseptic. I want to open my eyes, but they’re so heavy, and I’m tired.

“Why isn’t she waking up?”

Nero? It sounds like him, but it’s muffled.

“She will. Her body needs rest. It’s healing.”

Anabelle.

Warmth tightens around my hand. I squeeze.

“Holy shit! She just squeezed my hand,” I hear Nero’s voice again. “Princess, can you hear me? Can you squeeze my hand again?”

I squeeze as hard as I can, using every ounce of willpower in me.

“I’ll go get the doctor,” Anabelle says, and I hear what sounds like a squeaky door.

“Can you open your eyes? Even just a little? Please, Cinder, I’ve been so scared.”

It’s the fear in his voice that has me trying hard to open my eyes. It takes a few attempts, and when I get them open just a sliver, the lights sear my eyes. I slam my eyes shut again.

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