Brittany's POV

Flashback, Age 13

I hear the soft patter of footsteps on the roof, and I don't even need to look to know who it is. "If my mom finds out you climbed up here in the middle of the night, she’s going to freak out and probably kill you," I say, not bothering to hide the hoarseness in my voice.

Just as the words leave my mouth, Kaelith settles down beside me. I’m curled up tight, my arms locking my knees to my chest. My chin rests against ...