Josie
The air felt too thick to breathe. My chest burned, my heart pounded wildly, and every sound around me blurred into static. Kiel's hands were on my arms, holding me upright as the pain tore through my body like fire through dry leaves. I couldn't stop shaking. My throat closed up, and tears spilled down my face before I could stop them.
I didn't even recognize my own voice when it came out, hoarse and trembling. "Why… why would he say that?"
Varen stood a few feet away, his chest heaving, his eyes stormy and bloodshot. He looked like he didn't even recognize me anymore. Like I was just another problem to him.
Thorne's roar snapped me back. "Have you lost your damn mind, Varen?!" He grabbed his brother by the collar and shoved him back hard. "Do you even realize what you just said?"
