Page 29 of Brightness

I wrap my arms around my sister. After seeing what Tony and Amalia are going through with Mia, I understand the need to embrace family, to hold onto them while you have them. You’d think I’d get that after Mom and Dad’s accident, but I guess they were taken from me suddenly. Seeing a family losing someone slowly has put things into perspective.

You need to appreciate the people you love, loudly and without abandon.

All. The. Time.

“I love you, Eva. I don’t say it nearly often enough.”

She pulls back from me, tears welling in her eyes. “I love you too. Where is this coming from?”

I shrug. “Just seeing Mia. She’s sick. Really sick. And… I… don’t ever want to lose you.”

Eva exhales, pulling me back to her. “You and me, Ivy, we’re in this together. Always. Why do you think I fought so fucking hard for you when we got here?”

Guilt flows through me. I didn’t do enough when Nycto held Eva captive. “I’m sorry, Eva. I’m sorry I didn’t try harder to convince Nycto to tell you I was here. I absolutely should have.”

She brings her hands to my face, smoothing across my skin. “Shh… we’re good. You and me, Nycto and me. Everything turned out the way it was supposed to. Now, go get some rest. You’ve had a big night.”

She leans in and presses her lips to my forehead before sending a look to Void. I’m unsure what the look means, but he dips his chin, pulling me with him toward the stairs.

“Have you been plotting while I’ve been away?”

“No. Eva wants you to rest. We all do.”

We slowly take the stairs down to the Chamber. The Cell at the end is lit up, waiting for me.

Home.

Calm washes over me for the first time in over twenty-four hours. It’s like I’m able to finally relax. Like things might get back to some semblance of normal. The man who tried to buy me from Cuba came after me, found me, but also let me go. I’m sure this won’t be the last time I see him, though I’m free to live my life now he’s gotten what he wanted. This is a perfect outcome. I am always waiting for the sword of Damocles to fall, where this is all some dream, and the nightmare’s about to kick in.

Because good things don’t happen to me.

Everything goes bad in one way or another.

Void leads me over to my bed, and I can’t help the contented sigh that leaves my lips. “Home sweet home.” I flop back on my bed, arms spread as I close my eyes and relax.

Void slides onto the bed beside me. “So glad you’re home, Ivy. I… missed you.”

My eyes open as I take him in. A slow smile crosses my face, and I turn on my side. I wasn’t sure where we stood after our phone call last night. “I missed you too.”

“I’m here for as long as you need me. Anything you want, you let me know.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.”

He groans. “I do, though… I do worry. Probably too much.”

Wow. Honesty! This is a refreshing change.

I prop my head on my hand, resting my elbow on my bed as I look him over. “You worry about what’s going to happen to me, or about the people around me?”

Void slides his hands in under his head, getting comfortable. “Both. You know by now I care about you. Last night was pure fucking hell. After our phone call, fuck… I think Nycto stopped me from riding out at least three times.”

My eyes widen, and I gnaw on my bottom lip. “I’m sorry. I know you have an issue with Dash, but he was the perfect gentleman.”

He exhales. “That’s good to know. I… I don’t know how to act anymore. I’m just…” He trails off, seemingly unable to find the words.

“You’re not yourself when I’m involved.”

He turns his head to look directly at me. “I’m more myself when you’re involved, and that fact scares me.”

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