Evelyn
Waking to fingers trailing down my back, I roll over and find Thaddeus lying beside me. For a moment, I think I dreamt everything. He looks perfectly fine, like none of it happened. That illusion vanishes when he pulls me on top of him.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he says, his voice shaking. I peer up at him, sensing his anger through the bond—it simmers, directed inward.
“I could have killed you. Don’t risk your life, not for me, Evie,” he murmurs, kissing my forehead and brushing my hair off my face.
“You were dying,” I tell him.
“I don’t care. Promise you won’t do it again.”
I stay silent. That isn’t a promise I’m willing to make. They always say they can’t live without me. Truth is, I can’t live without them either. Maybe it’s the bond. Maybe it’s more.
“Evie?” he asks ag
