Turning away, I climbed into the bed and curled into a tight ball, feeling more lost than ever. My head throbbed with the weight of it all—my mother’s supposed actions, Ethan’s bond possibly overriding Higan’s rejection.

Was it true? Could I afford to believe it?

“No!” I exclaimed out loud, sharper than I’d intended. With a groan, I held my head. Thinking so much was hurting.

Sleep claimed me before I could fight it, dragging me into an inky darkness. I tried not to groan ...