No sound comes from Cassian’s room as I slip from the house. I rush through the township, through streets that are mostly bare, the dawn air thick as chalk dust, still and silent except for my thundering tread and gasping breath.As I hurry down Main, my spirits lift when Nidia’s cottage comes into view. Then my elation is crushed.My heart seizes as Corbin steps into my path, appearing out of nowhere. From behind a hedge, I guess. As though he were lying in wait. He grabs my arm and drags me beneath one of the many evergreens lining the lower half of Main. He presses me against the rough bark, trapping me between the massive tree and his body.“Take your hands off me,” I hiss. My body reacts instantly, instinct kicking in. Fire erupts at my core, smolder eating up my throat. The taste of ash and char coats my mouth.“Let’s get something straight.”I don’t listen, don’t care to hear whatever it is he has to say.Shaking with fury, I glare down at his hands on my arms. Emotion sweeps over me in a hot burn.
