“I’m so sorry.” I didn’t know what I was apologizing for—him losing Carlo or me leaving him with a black eye. To my surprise, Domenico hugged me. For a moment I let myself imagine I was hugging Carlo—a moment to say good-bye. We pulled apart, and I could see it written on Kris’s face how much it meant to her for Domenico and me to be at peace.

“I hate to cut this short, but Kris, we really have to get going. My family is waiting.” Domenico’s voice was so similar to Carlo’s it broke my heart again to hear it. “There’s a kind of makeshift service for Carlo; you’re welcome to come, of course.”

My brain stuttered for a moment. It was as if hearing this piece of information had knocked every wisp of air from my lungs, and I stood there, struggling to breathe. My tongue was tied.

“Do you want to come with us to the service?” asked Domenico. By now, Kris had probably told him how close his brother and I had been. If he hadn’t been able to read it in her thoughts, that was.

“No!” Dang. That came out too harsh. I faked a cough, rubbing my still-tender neck with one hand. “I mean, no, thank you. I don’t think I could handle . . . I think I’m just going to go home and sleep for the rest of the day. It’s been a rough couple of days.”

Kris stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, I’ll be fine. Domenico and his family need you.”

Kris gave me a sympathetic nod. “Okay, but call me if you need anything.”

The world’s most perfect couple walked away together. My eyes lingered on them for a while before I forced myself to turn and head back home. The Court Guard Headquarters, where I had been held, was quite near the Hyped, so it only took me ten minutes to walk back.

There were times when I needed to be left alone, when I didn’t want anyone to witness how miserable I was feeling. It was a miracle that I found the strength to get back to the Hyped and up to my floor. My whole body felt exhausted, as if I’d been running a marathon for days, and I was numb.

My grief was like the ocean: it came in waves—overwhelming me, crashing into me. I didn’t shed another tear but not because I wasn’t sad. I was too sad. The ache in my chest held a greater power. My legs buckled and I sank to my knees once I was inside my room and all alone.