Stella's eyes fluttered open, unfocused and glazed with fever. "Rebecca?" she mumbled. "Wh-where... what happened?"
"You're safe," I assured her quickly. "You were hurt, but we're taking care of you. How do you feel?"
Stella tried to shift and winced. "Everything hurts," she said weakly. "So hot..."
Dwayne was already on his feet. "I'll get Mara," he said, disappearing into the main cave.
I stayed with Stella, talking to her softly, trying to keep her calm and conscious. But my mind was racing, torn between worry for Stella and confusion over what had just happened with Dwayne.
Why had I kissed him? And why, despite everything, was a part of me wishing I could do it again?
As I heard Mara and Dwayne returning, I pushed those thoughts aside. Stella needed me now. Everything else would
