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I sed and opened my mouth to ask if he was sure, but his lips were on mine and I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressedaway froht? I know it’s important to you" It wasn’t iing between us But if what he said was true, that he didn’t want to tell me how to feel, maybe that was okay

"I know," he said "Thank you for that" He kissed ently this time, and I ran my hands into his hair as his body slipped over htly routine, but it felt different this ti fast with relief and soers traced down my cheek and to my neck, and I didn’t bother to tense like I usually did when he came near the collar of my shirt But he didn’t touch my shirt orfor the okay from me--and instead wrapped his arm around my back and pulledbreath as I closed ainst hi, which was so rare I didn’t dare h the cracks in the tent was bright, and I suspected we’d slept until almost noon

Callu lad you’re here," he said sleepily in h

He placed his pal shivers down ht you should know I’m always happy you’re here"

A smile slowly spread acrossand running footsteps suddenly exploded all around us and I jerked into a sitting position Those were bad yells Panicked yells

I scraht behindin the direction of the fire pit, and Beth sprinted byinto a run

"It’s Addie!" she called over her shoulder

My insides twisted around, the day Ever died flashing throughand panicking, and by the tiotten there it was too late

I broke into a sprint, passing other Reboots as I rounded a corner of tents

I stopped

It was Addie Strung up in the middle of the compound Her wrists were tied to a wooden bearound Her shirt was covered in blood, her head slumped doard her chest A crowd of athered around her, their faces griht in front of her, Jules at his side with a long stick in her hand

My heart was pounding in my ears Was she dead?

Her head moved suddenly and the relief was so sudden and powerful it almost knockedtoward Micah, fists clenched

"Back!" Micah stepped in front of Addie, his face hard and furious Beth quickly stopped and he stared her down as he pointed to the crowd "I said, back"

She glared at hi to the Reboots next to her They were spreading a e between theht Even so forward, their faces hard and angry

"Keep those wounds open!" Micah yelled, whirling around to face Addie Jules nodded and lifted a giant stick She struck Addie so hard I heard a crack