Olivia Martins

Ryker’s room was quiet when we got back. He didn’t say anything as we entered, just guided me in gently with a hand on my back, then closed the door behind us.

I sank onto the edge of the bed. My limbs felt numb, my head hollow. Everything from earlier clung to me like soot I couldn’t wash off.

Ryker crouched in front of me, resting his elbows on his knees. “Do you want water? Tea?”

I shook my head. “No.”

He nodded, staying right where he was. We sat in ...