CHAPTER 17: The lie.
I wake up to gentle movements on my shoulder.
“Little Rora, wake up.”
I open my eyes, still drowsy.
“Tyler?”
“Move over,” he mutters, pushing me to the side of the bed.
“What time is it?” I glance at the window — it’s still dark outside.
“Maybe around four in the morning.”
I rub my eyes and try to focus on my brother’s face. He’s lying on his side, facing me, watching me closely.
“What are you doing awake at this hour?”
Tyler studies me carefully, his brow furrowed as his gaze drifts over my face.
“Have you been crying?”
I tense at his question.
“No,” I lie, shifting into the same position as him but resting my hand under my cheek to get comfortable. “What are you doing awake?” I ask again.
His frown deepens, and I know he doesn’t believe me—but, to my su
