“You’re not a Higher, Kayla,” he says. “And I think Dominic knew that … he was just afraid of you.”

“But I killed the Higher,” I say. “It took my hands and plunged it into its chest.”

“Then he killed it with your hands—he killed himself.” He runs his hand through his dark, sweaty hair. “You’re not a Higher.” But he’s not fully convinced; I can feel the slight hint of fear on him.

He lies back down, playing with my hair as he falls asleep. I watch his chest rise and fall with his breathing.  I think about staying awake all night, just keeping my eyes open, like I used to do all the time.

But those times are gone. And after a while it becomes too much and I let my eyes shut.

Chapter 36

At the first sign of morning, we set out for the hillside. The land is a light grey, but the air is exceptionally smoky. We walk quickly, so we’re certain to make it before dark.  There’s a lot of chattering going on, and it starts to wear on me. I’m getting tired, hungry, aggravated, and it escalates with every second that drips by. Don’t they understand we’re probably being hunted? Or that Maci might be in trouble? Or that there are a million different problems?

I move up in front, putting some distance between the five of them and myself, knowing I’m being ridiculous, but I can’t seem to help it—all my energy is draining away and all that’s left is irritation.

After a while, Aiden jogs up to me and touches my arm, inching me close to him. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I point over my shoulder at the rest of them. “I just needed a little break from all the talking.”

He scratches at his head. “You want me to tell them to be quiet?”

I shake my head. “They’re fine. It’s just me. I’m just feeling a little weird.”

“At first it’s hard, but it’ll get easier,” he assures me.

I don’t respond, kicking the sand with my boot because what he says doesn’t make sense to me. The feeling of weakness feels potent and vile, like it doesn’t belong in my body.

“I don’t think we can stay at the hillside anymore.” He drops his voice, leaning in. “With the Day Takers wanting you and Dominic wanting to kill you, I don’t think it’s good idea to stay there.”

“I know,” I say with a nod. “I agree I can’t stay there.”

“We can start over somewhere.” He brushes my hair back from my shoulder. “Find a new shelter. Those caves are all over the place around here.”

“What about my memories?” I ask. “Don’t you think we should find out what I know?”

“We will.” He nudges my shoulder.