A Call for Answers, A Fiery Interruption

The heat simmered underneath my skin as I sprawled across the bed, phone in hand, scrolling through the flurry of messages that had bombarded my inbox. Despite the constant ache in my body, I welcomed the distraction that came with catching up with friends.

Lyra had sent several rapid-fire texts:

*OMG girl, you missed EVERYTHING! These new Greys showed up - your ex and some chick named Isla. Total drama fest.*

*Isla tried to compel Mr. Vance! Can you believe? Like, trying to use compulsion on THE Mr. Vance! She practically bounced off him.*

*Also, your ex seems weirdly okay now that the compulsion's gone. Kinda sad, actually. He kept asking about you.*

I smiled, imagining Lyr's animated expressions as she typed these messages. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, considering how to respond, when another message notification popped up from Aurora.