The moment Jayla's footsteps faded into the forest, a sharp ache bloomed in my chest, like a splinter of darkness wedged between my ribs. I pressed a hand to the wall to steady myself, my breath shallow. It wasn't physical pain, I realized. It was something colder, deeper, a gap where something vital had been yanked away, but I pushed it away, I was being stupid. She wasn't mine, and she'd be fine. She was stronger and more powerful than Barret.
When I reached my room, the door creaked open, and I walked in still feeling a little numb, and saw RJ sitting inside, looking patient.
''What are you doing here?'' I frowned, as I stepped in, shutting the door behind me. ''We're moving out in the morning to help Jayla once she kills Barret. Why aren't you packing with the troops?''
His jaw was
