June

My fist tightens at my side as I watch Hermes's eyelids flutter open, slow, uncertain. My chest tightens. This is it. Game time.

I glance at Ted. He gives me a subtle nod, then stands beside me, his hands hovering over my waist like a protective shield—or maybe a calming pill. I swallow hard, trying not to betray the storm of panic inside me.

"Huh—" Hermes mutters, his voice rough and disoriented. "Where am I?"

My stomach knots. His brain has clearly done a full reset. All the ...