Chapter 52

BOOK TWO: WHAT GIFTS SHE CARRIED

A muddy pinwheel spun into a watery grave, vanishing through the drain, a swirling, bitter reminder of my escape from death. But like it did with everyone, death would eventually catch up with me.

Just not anytime soon, I hoped.

I closed my eyes under the cascade of heat and shuddered, but I couldn't get away from the mud. It splattered down on top of me, crushing me, burying me alive. I snapped my eyes open and sucked in water instead of air.

Jo pounded on the bathroom door. "Leigh?"

"Fine," I said between chokes and sputters. "I'm fine."

A few deep breaths later, I still wasn't fine. Every blink flashed a different horror. Sorceressi. Jo possessed. Hands punching through graves. Mom coming back. Ica reaching down into the grave for me. Clawing up and away from my own end.

My body craved sleep, but I wouldn't be able to close my eyes. Not with those memories digging into my brain.