Page 22 of Phantom Mine

She lowers to her knees beside me, rubbing soothing caresses up and down my arms.

My head feels light, my skin clammy as I start to rock back and forth, wrapping my arms comfortingly around myself.

Even through the attack assaulting my body, I make out kind doe eyes staring back at me.

“I’ll be fine. Please,” I churn out through chattering teeth. “Please just don’t bring attention to it. To me.”

“I won’t.” She shakes her head. “What do you need?”

“Nothing.” I squeeze my eyes shut. “It’ll pass.”

Her teeth worry her bottom lip, as she takes in the way I shake. “I’m going to make you some tea. I’ll be right back.”

The gesture may be small but it nearly undoes me with its kindness. It’s the first time since I stepped through the doors ofFirenzethat I feel marginally less lonely.

She’s back five minutes later, clutching a steaming cup and handing it to me. “Drink this,” she orders. “It’s chamomile. It’ll make you feel better.”

I nod wordlessly and take a sip, letting the liquid burn a path down my throat and warm me from the inside.

“Thank you.” Gratitude echoes loudly in my voice.

“I’m Capri,” she tells me. “You must be new, right?”

“Yes—”

“Capri,” a voice snaps from across the room. I don’t need to turn around to put a face to the name. “The new girl was very clear that she doesn’t need our help. Leave her alone.” The order from Arabella is clear. TheFirenzequeen bee has declared mepersona non grata.

Capri gives her a genuinely sweet smile. “That’s alright, Arabella. She’s changed her mind and I’m happy to help her.”

Arabella glares at her and turns away without another word. The titters coming from her corner grow louder.

Capri gives me an amused look. “What the hell did you do to get on Arabella’s bad side?” She crouches back down beside me. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s the worst, but you haven’t even been here ten minutes. Or was I in the shower far longer than I realized?”

I shrug and take another sip. “You should listen to her. I don’t want you ostracized for helping me.”

She tuts dismissively. “Arabella already thinks I’m beneath her. That’s the first time she’s spoken to me in months. She might go home and wash her mouth out for it.” A cheeky grin curls Capri’s lips, revealing two small dimples. “Come to think of it, many worse things have been in and out of that mouth of hers. It’slongoverdue for a good cleaning.”

I snort loudly into my mug, finding that the tightness in my chest is loosening, the abject fear receding. Capri runs her hand up and down my forearm, smiling at my relaxing expression.

There are mottled black and blue bruises on her arms.

She tracks my eyeline and hastily removes her hand when she sees what I’m staring at, tucking her arms into her sides to hide them.

The sinking feeling in my stomach is for an altogether different reason now, but her features shutter. I know better than to pry. She has her secrets and I have mine, I just hope hers aren’t connected to anyone who works here.

“Are you feeling better?” she asks, bringing the attention deftly back to me.

“Yes, much better. Thank you for helping me.” I clear my throat, looking down at my mug. “You didn’t have to.”

“You were ghostly pale and looked like you were about to faint. I’m just glad you’re doing better. What happened?”

When I don’t answer, she doesn’t press me.

“That’s okay, you don’t have to tell me. But if you ever do need someone to listen, I’ll be here. What’s your name?”

“Melody.”

“Well, Melody, it’s lovely to meet you.” She stands and extends a hand down to me, her dimples flashing onto her face. “Let me show you around.”

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