Book 3: A Monster

Candace

Raven lowers herself into her chair with a grunt that doesn’t dampen the glowing smile on her face. “The calculations are in. Almost twice the area we revitalized yesterday returned today.”

Estrella blinks quickly, like she’s warding off tears. “I never dreamt—”

“None of us did.” Raven takes her hand then turns to me. “And thank you for being here. Between my pregnancy fog and Estrella’s power exhaustion, we need someone with a clear head.”

I smile. “I’m just happy I can help.”

That is true. Since I left Hollis, I’ve been sick with anxiety. Every time I close my eyes, I picture the battlefield—the battlefield only he and I believe in. And then, I picture Eva. We’ve already lied to her for two days. Staying quiet any longer will only make it worse, but telling her is going to destroy her.

“…All right?” Estrella says, looking at me.

I blink. I didn’t hear a word. “Um—”

Raven chuckles. “Still tired? I was exhauste