I was startled awake by something, but I didn’t know what. I lay in my bed, now in my room and not sure how I got here.

Shame flooded my stomach, remembering how I passed out after Zion bit me. I’m such a wuss. I wished it was a dream, but the tingling sensation on my neck, in the space where my neck met my collarbone.

I could feel the bond in place, and it felt alive. I felt alive and like I finally belonged somewhere. I was no longer an outsider. I have a new family now.

I could feel a ...