Page 109 of This Blood That Breaks Us

I was only vaguely aware of not liking the feeling. It was much easier to identify when my thoughts weren’t on Her. My stomach churned and things moved too much. I could barely keep my eyes open.

He chuckled. “I’ll note it. Don’t worry. It will pass.”

When we arrived at my room, he helped me to my bed. Zach had a rag over his head but peeked around it to see me. “Luke! I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, dude.”

Being in our room was true peace and safety, and I needed more of it. I wanted to wrap the feeling around me, even if it smothered me.

“Take me over there.” I pointed to my brother’s bed.

Ezra helped me into bed next to Zach. I gripped on the edge of the bedframe to try to stop the spinning.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said, sinking into the blankets.

A sense of calm enveloped me. It was so potent it might have been better than anything I’d felt that night. All the puzzle pieces were together, and I could close my eyes and rest. I needed nothing. I had it all.

“How long was it?” Zach said.

“Too long. Let’s never do that again,” I said.

“I’m locking you both in here till the morning.” Ezra’s voice was far away.

“We’re getting scolded, I think.” Zach chuckled.

“It’s okay. They’re stuck with us.” I smiled at the thought and pulled a pillow under my head.

Thirty-Three

Zach

The effects of the wine lasted until morning. I’d shut my eyes and hoped for the best. Lying in the dark was almost like sleep. I’d forgotten about the time and lost myself in the silence.

While bringing the covers over me, I grazed my brother’s arm.

“Ah!” We sat up simultaneously.

“Why are you still in my bed?”

“I don’t know. I . . . I must have gotten really freaked out last night.”

It checked out. Luke and I would take turns sleeping in each other’s beds if we were scared, but that was way back when we were children and definitely not anything we did as adults.

“Did something happen? I mean, other than tripping off our asses,” I asked.

He paused for so long I nudged him.

“No. No, I was freaked out in general, I think.”

“Well, we tell no one. And beg Ezra to keep it quiet.”

“Agreed.”

I didn’t mind it. I was just glad the floor wasn’t moving anymore.

“Next time, I pick the nighttime activity, and drug rituals won’t be high on the list.”

The castle bustled with activity. Whispers of Ascension lingered in the halls, and all regular tasks had been postponed in preparation.