Page 177 of The Wishing Game

Ze's behavior affected me more than I expected. We might only know each other for a short time, but I felt an affinity to him and I thought he did as well. Yet what I saw as friendship was anything but that for him. I'll always be a puny human not worthy of his attention—too dumb to make my own choices. How could we be friends if he'll always see me as someone inferior?

I slowly munch on some chocolate as I lie on my back on the grass. I found a small patch away from prying eyes, and as I stare at the clear sky, I wonder if I can get away with a small nap. The meal I ate was mostly comprised of carbs, so that should put me right to sleep.

A yawn escapes me.

Ah, if only Nikki were here. It's been too long since he last appeared before me. Although I wish I could spend every waking moment with him by my side, I also understand the dangers. Thea made it clear that rogue souls are hunted, never mind the fact that young souls have little to no energy.

I sigh.

The past memories I saw renewed my longing for him.

After escaping the hacienda, I thought for the longest time that my friend Noelle had perished there, and I'd blamed myself for it. Day and night, I'd lost myself to my grief, hating myself for being the only survivor. And in a way, I'd hated Nikki a little too for being the one to take me away. He knew it, too.

A wry smile pulls at my lips.

Even when I blamed him; even when I cursed him for taking me away, he was still there. Faithfully by my side, ready to pick up the pieces of my shattered self. And when I found out that Noelle was still alive, he was there to share that happiness with me.

My eyes become moist with unshed tears.

I miss that. I miss having my best friend by my side—through thick and thin. I miss having someone to share all my thoughts with—someone who loved and respected me.

Our relationship was never perfect. God knows, we've had plenty of ups and downs, some of which we never recovered from. In a way, both Nikki and I were—are—still slaves to our past. The only difference is that his got him killed while mine isslowlykilling me. But our differences made us challenge each other.

Lying on my back, I stare at the clear sky, somehow unable to believe this is my life.

Out of nowhere, a dark shadow appears in front of my eyes.

I startle up into a sitting position, blinking repeatedly just as the dark mist starts taking shape, materializing into the form of a man.

"Nikki?" I whisper, my eyes widening.

THIRTY-EIGHT

He doesn't answer, merely coming closer to me. He reaches with his hand, the ghost of a touch brushing against my face. My eyes snap shut as I inhale sharply, the warmth left behind by his caress making my pulse spike up.

"It's you, isn't it?" I murmur, nuzzling my face against the ghostly palm.

"Luce." His voice reverberates through my being. "My Luce," he whispers as he dips his head, his diaphanous cheek brushing against my own.

Tears of pure joy cling to my lashes as I let myself feel him, my soul rejoicing at being near his again.

"You stayed away for so long." I stifle a sob.

"I couldn't come. I'm not that... strong."

"It's okay." I shake my head, realizing I'm being unreasonable. "You don't have to excuse yourself. The fact that you're here means everything to me. Especially after we parted on such bad terms."

"I only want what's good for you," he continues, his voice raspy and pained. "I don't want you to get hurt. Not on my account."

"I'll be fine, Nikki. I've already finished the second trial." I smile.

He leans back, the mist swaying in the wind, waves of shimmery dust sparkling inside him.

"You will not quit, will you?" he asks with a sigh.

I shake my head.

"I know I can do it," I tell him confidently.

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