The drive back into Blackpine was quiet, except for the steady hum of the tires on the road. My head throbbed the whole way, sharp little reminders of the crash still pulsing beneath my skull. A few miles out of town, the car hit a bump, and pain flared so hot I winced, pressing my fingers against my temple, eyes squeezed shut.
“Hey,” Alaric’s voice cut through the silence, softer than usual. “You okay over there?”
I forced my eyes open. “Hmm? Oh, uhh… yeah.”
“Don’t lie to me.” His tone sharpened. “Your head bothering you?”
“A little bit,” I admitted.
He glanced at me, quick but knowing. “Is it from the crash last night?”
“I’m not sure.” My voice faltered, and after a long pause I added, “I had this moment with Sage. I—screamed? I’m not sure what I did exactly. But it made my body fe
