Page 76 of Storm Caller

“And I’m innocent,” I say, more falsehoods tripping off my tongue. I’ve kept this secret for so long that lying is as easy as breathing. “I hoped they’d listen to reason, and I missed you and even my parents. I wanted my life back.”

They both nod like they understand what I’m saying. I’m sure they think they get it, but they can’t truly understand everything. I hope they never have to hear the truth.

“What was the trial like?” Domino asks. “What happened? Everyone’s been talking about it. People have been claiming you were wrongly accused for weeks.”

“They’re carrying signs with your face!” Journey says. “You’re famous!”

“We tried to join the protests, but Dean Withers forbade it,” Domino adds, and the idea of my friends marching on my behalf makes my throat ache.

I blow out a long breath. “The trial was surreal. I felt like I was having an out-of-body experience the entire time. They brought in a whole bunch of people to testify. In the end, I guess they decided Trinity thought she saw something she didn’t.”

Domino scoots forward and takes my hand, folding it between hers. Her skin is warm and dry. I’ve missed her so much. “You were very brave,” she says earnestly.

“He’s been a complete mess,” Journey says, pointing to Rook. “Growling at everyone. Doesn’t really help with that whole Solitude rep.”

Rook glares, and Journey smiles in return. “See what I mean?”

I can’t help giggling as his scowl deepens.

Then Journey leans forward and says in a loud whisper, “He’s actually a big softie, right, Poet? Once you get to know him?”

I laugh harder as Rook’s expression clears into surprise.

“You’re absolutely right,” I say, and Journey nods as though she’s proud of herself for figuring it out.

“I am not,” he growls, sending us all into a fit of laughter before he finally cracks a smile and rolls his eyes.

We all chatter for a few minutes while the girls catch us up on everything we missed. “There have been more murders,” Domino says. “More bodies found mangled at the hands of the infected.”

“It’s making everyone really tense,” Journey adds.

I share a worried glance with Rook, wondering how this might affect Sol’s plans.

“What was it like seeing Trinity?” Journey asks, never afraid to pose the tricky questions. “Did you want to punch her smug face?”

Rook rolls his chair closer. “Tell me everything she said.”

“She claimed she always knew something was off with me,” I say, her words hurting all over again. “That I was weird.”

“You are a little weird,” he says softly, picking up a lock of my hair and weaving it between his fingers. “But in the best way possible.”

I offer him a smile as some of the betrayal I’ve been feeling ebbs away.

I never needed Trinity.

“She’d better keep her fucking distance,” he says, his voice dropping.

“She’ll have to get through all of us,” Journey says, puffing her chest up.

“Thanks,” I say, my eyes burning with tears.

“We should go,” Domino says. “Give you two some time to catch up.”

“Make sure you come up for air while you’re making out,” Journey says. “And use protection.”

After another round of hugs, they leave.

I turn to Rook, but he’s already there, embracing me again, pressing me against the door, kissing me desperately.