Chapter 9
RONAN POINT OF VIEW
Pain.
It starts in my chest like a knife twisting between my ribs. Sharp. Sudden. So intense I double over in my chair and gasp for air that won't come.
She was just supposed to disappear. Fade away like the weak little omega she is. I never wanted this.
My calculus textbook slides off my desk and hits the floor with a thud that echoes through my empty bedroom. The sound makes my head throb like someone is hammering nails into my skull.
What the hell is happening to me?
I press my palm against my chest where the pain burns hottest. My heart pounds so hard I can feel it against my hand. But it's not my heartbeat. It's wrong. Off rhythm. Like someone else's heart is trying to beat inside my body.
The binding stone around my neck grows warm against my ski
