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Chapter 1

Katy

I was on fire again Worse than when I got sick from the mutation or when onyx was sprayed in my face Theto claw their way through my skin Maybe they were It felt like I was splayed wide open There was a wetness gathering on my cheeks

They were tears, I realized slowly

Tears of pain and anger—a fury so potent it tasted like blood in the back ofin my own blood

My memories after the doors had sealed shut were hazy Dae moment I love you, Kat Always have Alill There had been a hissing sound as the doors closed, and I’d been left alone with the Arum

I think they tried to eat me

Everything had gone black, and I’d woken up in this world where it hurt to breathe Re his voice, his words, soothed so smile as he held the opal necklace—iven me just before the sirens went off and the doors started coer flared I’d been captured, and I didn’t know if Dae with the rest of them

I didn’t know anything

Forcingdown on low Everything had an aura But finally it cleared, and I sahite ceiling behind the lights

“Good You’re awake”

In spite of the pulsating burning, my body locked up at the sound of the unfamiliar male voice I tried to look toward the source, but pain shot downs

Icy horror drenched my veins Onyx bands were aroundht about the bruises Dawson had seen around Beth’s neck A shudder of revulsion and fear rocked through me

The sound of footsteps neared, and a face, cocked sideways, caht It was an older man, ray buzzed close to the scalp He wore a reen There were three rows of colorful buttons above the left breast and a winged eagle on the right Even in uy was important

“How are you feeling?” he asked in a level voice

I blinked sloondering if thishurts,” I croaked

“It’s the bands, but I think you know that” Heor someone behind him “We had to take certain precautions e transported you”