Chapter Thirty

Rayne

Max and I stare at each other for some time, an understanding of some kind passing between the two of us.

I'm the first to look away. Albert is giving a guard an order about having someone clean up the mess I made and thankfully didn't see the way our eyes locked just now. I don't know how to feel concerning this; it makes sense that he felt the scalding tea burning my chest. I've been feeling all his emotions. I wonder if he ever felt some of mine.

What does this even mean?

"I can't apologize enough for this," Albert says. He genuinely sounds and looks apologetic. "Are you sure you don't have to see a nurse?"

"I'm sure," I tell him. "I'm fine. I promise."

The burning has passed yet the skin remains bright red. I have no doubt that this too will pass and I'll be as good as new. Besides, I have more important things to concern myself with.

"I hope the noise didn't disturb you, Max," he says, turning to his friend. "I didn't see Rayne here coming."

Max offers him a tight-lippe