"His what?" I heard him, but I wanted to make sure.

"Protection?" Haze repeated, even more puzzled by the frown on my face. "You didn’t know? Haven’t you wondered why no one bothers you here even though you’re alone? No one else could do that for you."

Mason could, too. I wanted to say that but held back.

It had been a long time since I talked to Ash. I hadn’t even seen him again, despite how clingy he used to be.

I wish I could forget everything he did for me, or at least how it felt ...