The wind whips past me, carrying the faint scent of grass and earth, and I can feel my lungs burning, my chest rising and falling faster than it has in months. I’m in the open field behind the house, moonlight on my face but somehow suffocating, like it’s too much, too bright. My heart refuses to slow, and I press my hands to my knees, trying to catch my breath.
Mariel comes running up the small slope, her steps urgent but careful. “Selene! I—” she stumbles over her words, hands lifting as if to explain herself. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t act… I mean, I wasn’t… normal around you. I’m sorry for contributing to what you’re feeling right now.”
I barely glance at her. My mind is too full, too sharp, like someone turned the focus dial to maximum. “You didn’t,” I murmur, though the words are weak
