There was no fighting on the Sanctuary. It was heaven on earth, we were told. What could there possibly be to fight about?
And then, after I ran, I had Charity. She fought my battles for me. I had relied on her too much. Maybe I’d even taken advantage of it.
Now you’re just being silly, she croons in my ear.
“You’re not really here,” I whisper.
“What?” Phoenix says, reminding me that I’m not alone on this beach.
I raise my eyes to him, terrified of seeing the expression in his gaze, knowing I can’t avoid it. “Phoenix…” I whisper. “I don’t know what I’ve done.” My voice breaks with trauma. I say it again: “I don’t know what I’ve done.”
This is all too much. The world is starting to blacken and swirl around the edges. My knees buckle and I sway back. Before I can crash into the sand, P
