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Had she really been trying to help me? Or was I being stupid for thinking I could trust her?

No. She had beentryingto help. I could feel it. It was my paranoia making me have this fear now.

I glanced at my blanket-covered feet, keeping my arm raised in her direction. “I don’t know what to call you…” The question had been present in my mind since Julian announced she was his mother, but I hadn’t been sure how to approach the subject.

“Trinity.” Her fingers closed over my wrist, her grip firm despite the insecure tenor of her statement. “Or Dr. Kohler, if you’d prefer. ‘Reed’ was once my married name. We legally changed it after I left my husband.”

“Dr. Kohler…” This might not be so bad—a herald for a new beginning. “Thank you…” My skin grew warm, and my confidence wavered. What if I couldn’t see her in a new light? All these years, she’d been a source of fear. Even now, it was difficult to face her.

But still, I couldn’t run away.

This wasn’t like the past. Failure didn’t have to mean pain or death. Life wasn’t always like that. Even if I had a bad moment, or a bad day, it would be okay.

That’s what everyone had been trying to teach me.

“Actually, I think you’re right.” Dr. Kohler’s voice broke through my thoughts. I glanced at her, startled, and she smiled. “You’ll be just fine.”

Epilogue

Bianca

Ink

It was now one minute before midnight, and I was wide awake. Having slept for so long already, or at least having been not myself, had left me with extra energy to burn.

Dr. Kohler had ordered me to stay in my room the rest of the day, until tomorrow. After she left, most of the boys had visited me, one by one, to keep me company.

Damen had brought me food. Bryce and Brayden had even stopped by, with Finn sulking in the background.

But there was an absence that had caused my heart to twist, and I couldn’t stop the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. Titus had said not to worry—that he’d spoken to Miles and he’d seemed just fine.

Yet, why was I uneasy?

As soon as the clock chimed twelve, I jumped from my bed. It was morning and I wasn’t breaking any promises.

The room swayed, and I barely managed to grasp the bedpost. But the dizziness passed, and a moment later, I was ready.

Miles had better be ready. I did say I needed to talk to him, and I never specified a place or a time. Constant vigilance was something we all must learn.

It took a shamefully long time to make it to his room, and I couldn’t help but notice that only a small light shone from under the gap in his door. Was he asleep? I’d hurt his feelings earlier. There was no way he was sleeping soundly. Did it mean he hadcriedhimself to sleep? He had only wanted acceptance, and I had rejected him.

What kind of person did that make me?

“Miles?” I knocked on the door, trying to keep my voice at a whisper. If he was awake, he should hear me. If not, then I’d wake him up anyway.

This needed resolution. I’d do anything he wanted, even if it meant biting his wrist. I wasn’t sure if witches drank blood in this universe, but it seemed to have some significance for him.

But he didn’t answer, and the silence seemed to swallow my shallow breaths.

“Miles?” I tried again, slightly louder. “Can I talk to you?”

Still nothing.

What should I do? There was no way I could allow him to wallow in self-pity any longer. We had to clear the air between us. And if it meant I had to be the brave one, I could totally do that. I’d been brave a lot recently.

“I’m coming in,” I muttered, pushing open the door. I stepped into the room, swallowing back the nagging worry that Miles now hated me. We were adults, and we would handle the situation as adults should.

But my stomach sank and my chest constricted at the sight in front of me.

Miles was nowhere to be seen. His clothes had been picked up, and room was utterly spotless. Under the tiny desk lamp rested a single white paper.

Mon rêve,

I’m afraid I am not worthy of you, so I’ve left to learn how to be a better man. Don’t wait for me. When the time is right, the fates will allow us to meet once again.

♥ Miles

To Be Continued in :

Book Five: Balance