MAXINE

The silence felt heavier after Ronan left. He didn't blindfold us and Zel didn't have her wrists tied. The black object around her wrist was enough. The only thing they did was chain her ankle to a spot on the ground.

“Zel,” I said. “Are you okay?”

We were separated, staring at each other from across the room. There was a long pause, and for a moment, I thought she wouldn’t answer. But then I heard her. "I'm okay."

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice cracking. “I’m ...