Page 113 of Warrior

For a brief moment, the fire conformed to my will.

I don’t think that would happen again, though. And I don’t think it’s the case this time.

My brother and I nearly burned to death in an explosion. It didn’t listen to mywillthat time either. The bomb was set to ruin the center of Sterling Falls, so of course we tried to stop it.

And accidentally detonated it.

But hey—no harm, no foul. Right?

Speaking of Apollo. I haven’t heard his voice in so long. Tears burn at my eyes, falling down my cheeks. I swipe at them, patting my cheeks, until Reese catches my hands.

“Hey, hey. Don’t hit yourself.”

There is a sobright there. I have a lump in my throat, my chest is tight. My breath comes in panicked little gasps and pants. My eyes fucking sting. All the hallmarks of needing a good, soul-deep cry, and I’ve got nothing.

I miss him.

Apollo makes everything better.

And yet… he’s not here. He left Sterling Falls, he leftme, alone with monsters lurking in the shadows. Why didn’t he bring me and Saint with him?

Why did Jace ever put Saint and me in the same room?

They’ll be so embarrassed.

No, no, no.

Wrong.

They’re going to be soashamed, and while shame and embarrassment are similar, one is infinitely worse to stomach. One will bring back all the memories of that stupid brothel that Apollo tries desperately to avoid. Killing people at sixteen…

The Hell Hounds’ leader, Cerberus, had to know he hit the jackpot when he learned of it.

How Apollo felt about that night, however, has remained a mystery.

I could only conclude he hated it, and me for forcing his hand.

“Don’t tell my brother,” I whisper across the near-silent truck cab.

He scoffs. “I know he and I haven’t had more than a single conversation, but trust me on this: he’ll kill me.”

“He’ll killmeif you do.” I wipe at more tears. “He’ll disown me.”

“Artemis. He won’t.” There’s something in his voice. He brushes the backs of his fingers down my arm, and goosebumps rise in their wake. Then does it again.

I look at him.

His expression is pained. “Everyone will understand. I don’t know how it happened, but…”

I huff my disbelief. “You went from telling my brother toeveryone?—?”

“You’re right.” He pauses. “I was making assumptions that they would eventually find out. But they won’t if you don’t want them to. Your brother, though, will understand… if it happened how I’m guessing. Will you tell me about it?”

He pulls over, kills the engine, and twists to face me.

Full attention.

I swallow. My tongue suddenly feels like it’s too big for my mouth. I’m going to stumble over my words—if I can even force them out. I have to try, though. Something about Reese’s expression conveys that I don’t have a choice.

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