ROSIE
Ashton somehow pulled one of his tricks with Mr. Corbett, and now we're walking side by side down the street. No car. Just us, the wind biting at my skin, and the pounding in my chest.
"So," he starts, his voice low, almost uncertain, "I've made up my mind to tell you everything. I'm a fool, Rosie. I shouldn't have told you half-truths... shouldn't have pulled you into this mess... but I can't stay silent if I can't own you."
My heart slams harder, as if it already knows he's about to drop something that will splinter my reality. Especially after that one hint, about my parents.
My pulse races. My breathing feels shallow.
Tell him to quit circling like a damn vulture, Lyra growls in my head, sharp and impatient. For f**k's sake, I'm losing patience.
I clench my fists before rea
