Page 64 of Kai's Hunger

My eyes softened as I looked at my sister, gratitude filled me. I had always known that Fostine was strong, and I also knew that she was currently battling her own inner demons, but to see her facing down this new challenge filled me with pride. That she was willing to help Lily warmed me.

“I’m sorry you were forced to endure Patterson’s torture,” I offered. “And since you’ve been home, all we’ve done is offer a bunch of bullshit.”

She took a deep breath, her gaze returning to Lily, as she spoke with a vulnerability that surprised me. “Look, I can’t fault you for the way you reacted when I returned. I put everything through hell when I disappeared. Especially Dad.”

“That’s over. We’re together now.”

“Yeah. A family.” She wrapped her arms around her middle, then added, “Lily will have nightmares. You’ll need to be patient with her.”

Fostine’s revelation caught me off guard. “Do you have them?”

She offered me a jerky nod. “So much so that I don’t want to close my eyes.”

I’d known that Fostine had been through something I couldn’t fathom, but to hear her speak of nightmares, hearing the pain in her voice, sent a shockwave through me. My sister’s strength had always been an inspiration, but now it took on a new depth.

“Look, I’m not the sharing-is-caring type, but I want you to know that I’m here for both of you,” she continued, her voice steady. “I know how hard it’ll be to heal from something like this.”

Sorrow welled up within me. I reached out and pulled my sister into a tight embrace. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice choked. “I’m in your debt, sister.”

Fostine returned the embrace, her presence a soothing balm for my creature’s rage. As we pulled apart, she offered me a small, sad smile, her voice carrying so much sadness that I felt it like a gut punch. “We’ll get through this, together. And we’ll make sure that Patterson pays.”

A renewed determination flickered inside me as I stared down at Lily, still asleep and vulnerable. With Fostine’s support and my own unwavering resolve, I knew that we could face the darkness that had descended upon our lives. And in that moment, a tighter bond formed. After Fostine left, I began to form a plan. Soon, Lily would belong to me. And no one would separate us ever again.

Chapter Twelve

Lily

The room was shrouded in shadows, the only source of light coming from a lamp positioned on a desk across the room. The soft glow cast elongated silhouettes on the walls, lending an ethereal quality to the space. I blinked, my eyes slowly adjusting to the dimness as my consciousness fully returned. I was still in the clinic, my surroundings familiar yet surreal.

Turning my head slightly, I saw Kai seated nearby, a reassuring presence in the darkness. My lips curved upward, and as our eyes met, his gaze warmed.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice deep and rough.

“Hey,” I whispered in reply. “Time?”

He glanced at the far wall. “Three in the morning,” he answered, his hand reaching out to touch mine, a gesture of comfort that I needed.

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