Chapter 97. Hard Week

Ryder’s POV

A week.

Seven days since Maeve finished the cleanse, seven days since Lila woke up, and seven days since I discovered what it meant to have the future—and your heart—freeze in your hands. But today, the feeling was different.

Today it was loud and exciting and smelled of exhaust and cold weather. Lila was leaving the hospital. Not going home, but just going. I had crept into the old pick-up truck right up to the back service entrance. My old helmet was resting on the passenger seat, with scratches across the visor, but the padding was still faintly scented of sweat and ice. I felt like I was breaking her out of prison. I pulled the cap down over my hair and turned up the collar of my leather jacket.

I peeked at the small, close group of people observing us: Vivian, with tears in her eyes though smiling; Maeve, her ancient eyes knowing; and even Aunt Helena, leaning against a distant window in the foyer, looking like a defeated shadow.