Page 105 of Saints & Sinners

I had never known what love was before. Not really.

I didn’t understand how it could unravel you and hold you together all at once. How it could feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, the wind daring you to jump, but knowing there’s no solidground waiting below.

Until I realized, that love was a little like gravity.

Think of it like gravity. Even the smallest things can pull you under if you’re not paying attention.

Hunter’s words played in my head. He was right.

Love was silent and invisible but inescapable like gravity. It pulls you in slowly at first, so subtly you barely notice. Then, all at once, it drags you under. It doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t care if you’re ready.

And Hunter...

He was my gravity.

“Is he...” Marnie trailed off after I didn’t answer, but I knew what she meant.

I shook my head. “I haven’t even told him whatIfeel.”

Hunter was impossible to read. One moment, he was distant; the next, he was risking everything to protect me. But feelings? I didn’t know if he could even let himself feel something like that for me.

“Grace... this isn’t just some harmless modern-day romance,” Marnie said, her expression softening as she studied me. “You’re talking about Hunter—an Ascendant. If anyone finds out, especially the Council—”

“Iknow,” I snapped, not meaning to. My shoulders slumped immediately. “I know,” I repeated, quieter this time.

Marnie moved closer, leaning against the glass beside me. “You know, despite all the chaos you keep dragging me into, the one thing I’m actually glad about is becoming friends with you.”

I blinked, caught off guard.

She gave me a small smile and nudged me with her shoulder. “No, seriously. I know I’m dead set on becoming an Ascendant, but I still have your back. You wanted to be a Warrior? You’re crazy but amazing. You wanted to help Hunter find his brother despite how dangerous Riftkeeper’s are? You’re loyal to a fault.You’re in love? Well... I guess I’ll just have to tag along with you and your endless emotions. Like I said, Grace, I’ve got your back. Even if that means dealing with more tampon emergencies.”

I let out a small laugh, feeling a lump rise in my throat.

“Thank you,” I whispered, leaning my head against her shoulder.

We stayed like that for a moment—quiet, steady—until a knock at the door broke the moment.

One of our roommates peeked in, giving us both a strange look. She’d definitely heard some of the chaos from earlier.

“Uh, Grace? Joe’s here to see you.”

I sat up straighter, blinking in surprise. “Joe?”

Marnie raised a brow. “Well, that’s my cue then. I’ll let you two talk.” She pushed herself off the glass and started toward the door. “I’ll be in my room, getting ready.” She smiled, passing by our roommate before I followed out after a few minutes and found Joe by the kitchenette.

He stood there, looking awkward and unsure as he stared at the bright pink utensils by the counter.

“Hey,” he mumbled, holding a box in his hands.

“Hey.” I motioned for him to sit on one of the stools, but he hesitated before dropping onto one.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then Joe sighed. “Grace, I—”

“I know,” I said, green eyes snapped my way. “And I’m sorry too.” For a lot of things.

“About what happened with Matias...” he added, shaking his head, “I should have known.”

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