I set the book back down and head for the shower, letting the water flow a little before I step in. I quickly scrub away the dirty water, ice-cold against my muscles. But then I realize I should have waited until Aiden brought clothes before I got in. I crack the curtain and am surprised to find a set of folded clothes on the bed, along with a towel. I shut off the water and get dressed. The blue shirt fits me perfectly, but the pants are a little too long, so I tuck them in my boots, before lacing them up. It’s strange wearing clothes that aren’t black and I feel a little out of place.

There’s a knock at the door and I quickly pull my hair back into a ponytail. “Yeah, you can come in.”

Aiden enters, the blood washed from his arms, but the lines still remain. “You look better.”

“Thanks,” I mumble, adjusting the shirt. “You didn’t have to lock me in.”

“Yeah I did.” He smiles and for some reason I return it.

His breath catches, and his heart misses a beat. I quickly erase the impulsive smile from my face and he shakes his head and picks up a knife from off the floor.

“So I’m guessing you’re hungry.” He puts the knife into his pocket and zips up his jacket.

“Yeah, I guess.” My eye catches the book. “Can you… do you know how to read?”

He looks perplexed and follows my gaze. “Oh that. No I can’t.” He nudges the book aside. “Someone found that one day, while out in the city.”

“You’ve been out to the city?” I ask.

“Everyone has at one time or another.” He opens the door. “Let’s go get you something to eat.”

Downstairs, everyone receives me with inquiring eyes, making me feel like I forgot to put pants on or something. Maci’s sitting next to Ryder on a turned over crate near the farthest corner. She’s stuffing her mouth full of a bright yellow food I don’t recognize, but it smells delicious.

“What is that?” I ask as Aiden pops one into his mouth.

“Food,” he crunches. He wipes his face with his sleeve and hands me one.

Hesitantly, I take it and nibble a small bit. My tongue is immediately overflowed with the sweetest taste that’s ever touched my tongue.

“What is this?” I ask, juice dripping down my chin.

“The best thing in the world,” he says.

Ryder shoots him a disgusted look and her heart knocks quickly against her chest, not out of fear, but out of anger. “It’s good to see you two are getting along so well after only spending a few minutes with each other.” She stands, much taller than I remember, her head nearly touching the ceiling. “So what’d you do? Hit her over the head to get her to cooperate or something?”