Chapter 9

RONAN POINT OF VIEW

Pain.

It starts in my chest like a knife twisting between my ribs. Sharp. Sudden. So intense I double over in my chair and gasp for air that won't come.

She was just supposed to disappear. Fade away like the weak little omega she is. I never wanted this.

My calculus textbook slides off my desk and hits the floor with a thud that echoes through my empty bedroom. The sound makes my head throb like someone is hammering nails into my ...