It feels like hours pass, but I know it’s more likely minutes than that. A faint humming noise fills the air, right before Emmet comes back into the cabin and pulls the blanket off me.
“What’s going on?” I know it hasn’t been long, but time isn’t on our side.
“The helicopter has arrived. He made the right choice, especially after I paid him a little visit.” He scoops her up, and I make sure she’s still covered as I throw my clothes back on.
“What did you say to him?”
“I just said that if she dies, it will be a death he won’t be able to cover up. That and there aren’t many people who will help him to pick out funeral flowers. I’m not above threatening him, and he knows I don’t give out empty ones.” He smiles darkly as he walks out and I follow close behind.
The helicopter sets down, and Emmet climbs in. I try to get in, but a hand closes around my shoulder and I get pulled back.
“You can stay here. This happened on your watch. I think it’s only right you wait here and rethink your actions,” Arthur says and I have to hold my hands behind my back. Whatever I can do to stop myself from striking him, because he sure as hell deserves it.
My head is swimming as I inhale another deep lungful, my own slice of Heaven. I need all the little slices I can get. They’ve been gone for an hour and I haven’t heard anything. I know Emmet doesn’t think much of me, but this is just cruel.
I sit outside on the step leading up to my door as Tom walks up to me, I flick my eyes up to him, before returning them back to my joint.
“Any news?”
“No, apparently I don’t need any updates.” I stub it out with my sneaker before pushing to my feet.
“No news is good news. Don’t worry,” he says dismissively, and my eyes flash red.
“You fucking bastard.” My fist connects with his jaw repeatedly, and I forget it’s Tom for a moment as visions of Arthur flash in my mind.
“Woah, calm down there, snake.” I get pulled off and I slam my elbow back into Thallon.
“I’ll give you that one. Do any more and you’ll be in the bed next to your little girlfriend.” He laughs as Tom gets back up, before spitting blood onto the ground.
“Stay out of this. Better yet, go back to Australia. You’re not wanted, and you’re nothing more than a replacement spy for Shane,” Tom snaps, as he stands next to me.
“So pathetic. Okay, children, have fun. Be sure to give Luna my regards, unless she dies.” He laughs even harder for a second before it stops quicker than it started.
“Stop thinking with your fists, it isn’t you. I get it, but you’re too relaxed for that bullshit.”
“There’s too much going on. My mother is breathing down my neck, all while telling me how disappointing I am. Luna is fighting for her life, and we don’t even know if it’s because she got bored and wandered off or if someone did this to her. I miss being the fun Aeron, I really do. I just need a reason to be him again.” I sigh before I crack my knuckles and walk away.
I head towards the treeline and try to lose myself in the woods, who gives a shit what happens to me. Clearly, no one.
Dickhead T: I’m going to kill this woman, and I haven’t been here long. Hope things are going better over there.
Me: Things are fine, just focus on dealing with that bitch. Good luck man.
Dickhead T: Say hi to Tiny One for me.
Me: She says hi.
Yep, I’m going straight to Hell.
Death Warmed Over
Luna
“Star, open your eyes.”
I don’t want to, everything is easier here.
“Come on, Star. Don’t make me order you.”
Am I dreaming this? I can’t tell. It seems so real.
My head is thumping as my eyes flicker and I groan over something lodged in my throat. I feel as though I’m choking but someone grabs my hands as I try to claw at it.
“Hey, it’s okay. It’s just there to help you breathe. You terrified me, Luna. Don’t ever do that again,” Emmet says.
I’m sure it’s Emmet, but I still haven’t opened my eyes properly yet. I just want to sleep, and I think that is exactly what I am going to do.
Emmet is sitting next to me as I open my eyes and stare at him. He stares at me and I swallow and notice I no longer feel as though I’m going to choke.
“They removed the tube, you still have the IV in, but you’re doing good. You’ll be out of here in no time.” He releases my hand before pressing a chaste kiss on my lips and then he settles back down into his seat.
“I don’t understand what happened,” I croak out, my voice cracking over how dry it feels.
“You were in the river, Luna, soaked. Aeron found you. It’s no wonder you ended up with hypothermia. We warmed you up as much as we could, but we could only do so much. You nearly died. What were you thinking?” he says, as his voice rises and I flinch. My whole body aches from the action and he leans back as his eyes narrow.
“I-I-I d-d-d-don’t remember.” My voice cracks again and I can’t force any more words out and I moan as he puts a straw to my lips and the water hits my throat.
“I really don’t, Emmet, but I wish I did,” I say as I release the straw and he squeezes his eyes closed as his jaw locks up.
“I really wanted you to say that you tripped and fell in. Aeron is halfway convinced that someone did this to you, and I wanted to be able to tell him that wasn’t the case. Jeez, we really can’t take you anywhere.” He laughs without mirth and I stare up at the ceiling.
“How long have I been here for?”
“Just over two weeks. By the time they let you out, we’ll have to go back to the Academy but at least you’re okay. That’s all that matters. The retreat isn’t important.”
“Thanks, Emmet, I’m really tired. Is it okay if I get some more sleep?” I don't know why I’m asking, but it feels like it’s the right thing to do.
“Of course, do you want me to leave?” he asks, standing up and moving to the foot of the bed.
“You don’t have to stay, but…” I hesitate, before I take a deep breath and meet his eyes. “Will you lay with me? I really want to be held.” Tears prick my eyes and I watch as he looks up to the ceiling before he walks around to the other side of me and I slowly shift onto my right side.
He lies down and I lean up against him, as he slides his arm under my head. I don’t think he’s the cuddling type, but he’s still doing it, and for me. My Emmet, my dark prince.
I can feel the bed shift, and I guess he’s getting up. I’m just too tired to object. I’m not even sure I’m fully awake right now, but I know he won’t go far, at least I don’t think he will.
I hear footsteps move across the room, the door open and then click shut. I listen to see if I can hear him returning, but it’s silent. Peaceful, way too quiet compared to the noise of the city where me and Tucker were, or the birds who chirped incessantly in the woods. I can feel the edge of sleep calling me, but the silence is making it hard for me to reach it fully. I almost sigh as the door opens once more, but I stay quiet. I really am tired. Maybe now that Emmet is back, I’ll be able to drift back of