39

The Right Material

Golden Summit

Andricia

‘Open your eyes, little bird.’ I hear it in my head.

Wait, Silas.. My eyes fly open, and I see him looking down at me, concerned that I’m breathing heavily, and I notice I’m on the opposite side of the room. My back is against the wall, and I can’t see past him, but I can smell something burning. His hands are on my waist, and my hands are clutching his jacket. My vision blurs and a whimper escapes my lips as I bite the bottom one, trying to hold in my emotions.

‘Let it out, little bird.’ I hear his soothing voice in my mind.

My eyes lock with his, and I see the concern in his. His hand is on my arm and the small of my back. I look at his hand; it grips tight, almost bruising, but he doesn’t loosen his grip even as I try to wiggle free. A low, demanding hum hits me, and i