I suck in what may be a mix of a sob and a hiss of frustration. It comes out in an odd-sounding growl. I want to cry and scream at the same time. Without giving it further thought, I reach out for his hand and weave my fingers with his. I inch closer to his side, not caring if I get blood on me. His touch alone makes everything I feel a good deal less alarming. “I’ll be okay.”
But don’t get me wrong; I am still angry at him.
He nods, not pushing it further. We make it to the clearing, finding Celeste, Mrs. Humphrey, Mr. Len, and five guards surrounding a snarling Ariah. She’s bound with chains, her fury directed at Mrs. Humphrey.
Celeste turns, then crouches down beside Nate, wiping his forehead with her hand. A calm look is on her face when she looks up at us and cracks a smile. “He fa
