Chapter 25 · Silver-Gold Eyes

Derek's laugh is still ringing in my ears when Rena shoves the bundle into my arms.

"Out. Now." Her voice cuts through the clinic like a knife. "The back exit. Go."

I can't move. Wren's eyes are staring up at me. One silver. One gold. She's not crying. She's just watching. Like she's reading me. Like she already knows I'm about to screw this up.

Cole's on the floor. His chest is rising and falling, but barely. The gold in his eyes flickers like a dying bulb. Derek's still laughing, even with those black burns crawling up his neck. His pack is outside. I can hear them. Boots on gravel. Voices getting closer.

"Ivy." Rena grabs my shoulder. "If you stay, she dies. If you run, maybe she doesn't. Do the math."

I look down at Cole. He's trying to sit up. Failing. His hand lifts. Just a little. Fingers move. Sign language.

Go.

My throat closes. "No. I'm not—"

He signs it again. Harder. Go.

"They'll kill you," I whisper.

His mouth twists. Not quite a smile. His hand moves again. Already dead. Go.

I hate him. I hate that he's right.