Live Wire

Ellie and I walked down the stairs, our arms linked, the tension between us finally gone. It felt good. Normal, even. To have her beside me again, to laugh at something stupid she said and not feel like the weight of the world was pressing on my shoulders.

 

I had missed this. 

The sun had barely begun to set, casting warm light through the windows of the main hall. People walked about, some eating, others sharpening weapons, the usual controlled chaos of life at Watkins Glen. 

For a brief moment, it almost felt like things were okay. 

Then I saw him. 

Ronan. 

He was standing near the center of the room, his arms crossed, his dark eyes already locked onto me like he had been waiting. 

I slowed, my stomach twisting. Ellie noticed immediately, her gaze flickering between us. 

"You got this?" she murmured, squeezing my arm. 

I nodded, even though I wasn't sure.