Page 104 of Saints & Sinners

Marnie wiggled her legs and practiced a few unnecessary squats. “I feel like I just gave birth backwards.”

I was laughing so hard that I thought I’d need a tampon myself.

Veronica turned to me. “Don’t tell anyone I was here. Got it?”

I raised my hands in defense as she narrowed her eyes at me and then turned toward the door. When the door shut behind Veronica, Marnie again relaxed against the toilet seat and exhaled.

“I’m exhausted. And we haven’t even made it to the ball yet.”

I hesitated, chewing my lip. “Do you think I should even go to the ball?”

Her head snapped toward me. “What are you talking about? Of course, you should. Dress or no dress, we’re going.”

It wasn’t just that.

I stared at my hands.

“What’s wrong?”

I didn’t meet her eyes as I strolled toward the shower and leaned against the clear pane of glass. “I’ve done something terrible, Marnie.”

That got her attention.

My chest was beating too fast, and I thought about the countless times I’d kept secrets from her. But she’d opened up to me, protected me, and called me her friend when I was hardly a great one at it in return.

“I’ve—well—”

“Oh, please don’t tell me you’ve gotten yourself involved with someone.”

I was dead silent.

She groaned and facepalmed. “Grace, why—”

“It’s a natural thing!” I defended. “I’m—ugh—” I ran my hands through my curls, unsure of where to go from here.

She stared at me. “Is it Hunter?”

My chest squeezed. “How—”

“I’ve had my suspicions ever since he took you to the Healers Sector after your fight with Norah. Also, I found a loose condom packet inside your drawer.”

Oh...

My stomach dropped at the thought of her finding those. I should have been more careful—no,weshould have been more careful.

“I may be innocent most of the time, but I’m not stupid. I was just hoping it wouldn’t all be true.”

I nodded slowly, my face burning. I wasn’t sure whether I felt ashamed or that I kept this from her when part of her already knew. Did that mean that others knew? Could they tell? Were we that obvious?

I was spiraling.

I buried my face in my hands. “I don’t know what to do, Marnie. There were moments when I didn’t care about risking it all. I just... wanted to be with him. But now...”

“You’ve fallen in love.”

You’ve fallen in love.

The wordlovedrifted through me, slow and steady, seeping into every corner of my mind. I thought about what it truly meant. I thought about the moment I walked away from Hunter after the Ecliptic Hunt, the way his eyes lingered on me like he was proud. Something in me had finally clicked that day.

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