Page 125

Shelves lined with bottles and jars.
A bed big enough for two.
“What if…” Sleep slurs my words. “What if it doesn’t work? What if this is just survivor’s guilt and you just want this, want me, because you saved me?”
“Ember, I was attracted to you before I ever met you. This isn’t survivor’s guilt; it’s not a savior complex. I believe in us. We take one day at a time and when, if, things get rocky, we work on fixing them until they are good again.” His voice rumbles through both our bodies. “Together.”
The word follows me into my dreams, a promise wrapped in possibility.
For the first time in forever, I sleep without a candle burning.
I don’t need one anymore.
I have my own light now.
FORTY-ONE
Ember
Dawn creeps through the window,painting the empty apartment in shades of promise. Cardboard boxes stand like sentries by the door, each labeled in Blaze’s precise military scrawl. The space echoes differently now—hollow and empty.
My phone buzzes. It’s the first phone I’ve ever owned. Blaze got it for me first thing after everything that happened. Said he wanted a way to reach me, no matter where I might be. I think he uses it to track me, but I don’t care. I love his protectiveness.
As for my phone, it’s Aria again. Shelovesto text. It’s nonstop.
I kind of love that too. I’ve never had a friend before.
“The LLC is set up.” Her voice carries barely contained excitement. “First shipment of supplies arrives at the new workshop next week. Real supplies. Not the dollar store stuff.”
“That’s…” Words fail as emotion clogs my throat.
“I know.” Understanding fills the pause. “By the way, my interior designer is handling the workshop layout. Don’t argue. Consider it payment for services rendered.”
“Services rendered?” A laugh bubbles up, half hysteria. “You mean getting kidnapped together?”
“I mean saving my life, you idiot.” Fondness softens her tone. “Though the shared trauma certainly accelerated our friendship timeline.”
Blaze appears behind me, his presence solid and warm. His hand settles on my hip, grounding me in the moment.
“Aria…” My voice catches. “Thank you.”
“Partners, remember? Your new life awaits.” The call ends with a click.
Sunlight streams stronger now, catching dust motes in the empty space where my candles once stood. The apartment feels smaller somehow, yet infinitely larger with possibility.
As I stand there, watching Blaze move the boxes out, I feel something deep within me begin to ache. It’s a strange ache—a mix of sadness and joy, loss and hope. This apartment has been more than just a place to sleep. It’s been my shield, my fortress, my haven. It’s where I learned to stand on my own two feet, where I picked up the shattered pieces of myself and found a way to keep moving.
“Having second thoughts?” Blaze’s breath stirs my hair.
I look around and take in the bare walls and scuffed floor. The memories seem to drift out from the shadows—all those nights alone, sitting by the window, clutching a candle as I watched the flame flicker and imagined something better.
All those times, I thought I’d never get out of here, that the four walls would be my only company until they crumbled just like me. I fought my battles here; though this place isn’t much, it was mine. Mine in a way nothing else ever was.
Now, I’m leaving it behind and walking away from the girl who fought alone, who learned how to carve out just enough to survive. I’m not that girl anymore. I’m something more. That’s what I’m struggling to let go of—the safety of being alone, of not needing anyone. Because now, with Blaze standing there,waiting for me to follow, I need him. I want him. And it’s terrifying.
I remember Blaze asked a question.
“No second thoughts.” The answer surprises me with its certainty. “Just… Saying goodbye.”