I hesitate, then lift my hand.
He’s in my mind.
But why?
Is he a memory?
He cocks his head and I’m not afraid, and then he walks away into the sunlight.
Chapter 9
“Calla!”
It’s Dare shouting, and when I look, he’s standing below on the beach.
His pants are rolled up and there is sun in his hair.
I smile before I can stop myself,
Because even though I shouldn’t,
I want him.
I want him now.
I want him always.
He climbs to me and sits on the blanket and when he stares at me¸ his gaze is black.
“Sabine sent me,” he explains. “She’s going to be late and didn’t want you here alone.”
I nod, and I’m so thankful he’s here, because I’m tired of being alone.
My mind is a deep ocean and I’m drowning.
“You were afraid I’d think you’re a monster,” I tell him softly, and I watch his face carefully. His mouth tightens, but that’s his only reaction.
“Yes. Do you remember why?”
I sift a handful of sand through my fingers, watching each tiny piece.
“No. Not yet.”
He sighs and it’s loud up here, on the top of this cliff by the sea.
“Where should I look for the answers?” I ask him, and I hear the desperation in my voice because I’m tired of the unrest.
I’m tired of the secrets.
I’m tired of nothing being clear.
He blinks.
“You should look at Whitley,” he finally says. “But you’ve got to be careful. You won’t like what you find.’
I nod because I know I won’t.
Because it might make me think Dare’s a monster.