Chapter 31: Shot in the Dark

Nadia's POV

"Everyone is going to be so excited!" I said as we both exited the car outside his father's large house. "Did anyone know you were coming back?"

"Nope, and you're the first person I bumped into." Ethan allowed himself a small smile. "Literally."

"Lucky me," I said with a laugh. Ethan and I had been talking for only a few minutes but I already felt lighter.

My mind was on Ethan, and I didn't want it to stray…

"Or lucky me," Ethan said, another smile on his lips.

This time, though, I noticed that the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. They had a worn-down look about them, and I felt my own lightness fade slightly. Why hadn't I thought about what his being back must mean…especially with no Ember in sight?

"So, France was so awful that you had to return early?" I asked, trying to see if I could cheer him up at all. "It was all the tourists, huh?"