I stopped four markings over the next six hours. Four projections. Four confrontations with the Harvester's presence. Four fragments that would never see the Echoing Wastes.
By the time I pulled myself back to my physical body for the last time, I could barely think straight. My consciousness felt like it had been put through a grinder, and my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
But I'd done it. Saved four people while Gia thought I was resting.
I checked my phone. Six-thirty. Half an hour until Andrea's boyfriend arrived for dinner.
I forced myself into the shower, letting the hot water run over my exhausted body. Had to look presentable. Had to pretend I wasn't falling apart.
When I emerged, I could hear voices in the living room. Andrea and someone else. David must have arrived early.
I
