I curled up next to Ryder in his bed, the warmth of his body easing some of the chill that had settled deep in my bones. His bed was big enough for both of us, but even with all the space, I pressed myself close to him, craving the comfort only he could offer after everything we'd been through. My mind raced, playing back the trials, the fear, the pain. I hadn’t eaten since we’d returned, and I knew Ryder was worried.
“You should eat something, Faye. Please,” Ryder’s voice was soft, coaxing, as his fingers gently stroked my hair. “Come downstairs and have dinner with everyone. Our parents are waiting.”
I shook my head against his chest, feeling too emotionally drained to face anyone, let alone our parents. I just couldn’t handle more conversation, more expectations, more anything. The th
