“What do you mean?” That was one of my worst fears besides losing any more people in my life: losing myself.

“Geez, Ave, why do you look so scared? It’s not a bad thing.”

“Care to explain?”

“From what I knew beforehand, even those who couldn’t stand each other before the click became inseparable afterward.” Kris’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

“Okay.” I uttered the word slowly, not connecting how that had anything to do with what she’d just said. “They didn’t feel like themselves once they clicked?”

“No, it was even before the click happened.”

“Wait, what?”

“After our clairaudience is awakened, it’s like the gods are trying to send us a message, because everything—feelings, emotions, desires—is intense.”

“Sure, that kind of message, two halves impossibly destined to become one.” Had I changed? Had my feelings for some people changed? All I felt was sick after my Awakening.

“And when you both finally have the click, everything becomes even more magical. It’s like Domenico and I are one. He understands me, and I understand him. Completely, perfectly. Some people might say that it’s because we can read each other’s minds.” Kris paused and shook her head before continuing. “But it’s more than just clairaudience. It’s this unbelievably strong connection. He can feel what I’m feeling, not just hear it from my inside head.”

She put her hand on top of mine. “I’m not good at explaining things. You know how happy I am that you decided to come here. And now that I’ve experienced it, I want the same for you.”

We hugged for what seemed like a long time. In the back of my mind I had always worried that our friendship would never be the same after the click. Now I knew better than to doubt our bond. There was always a place in her heart for me. I was genuinely happy for her. I truly was. But that didn’t mean that I wanted the same for myself. If anything, her words gave me more validation that I would lose my freedom. My feelings, desires, and emotions would no longer be mine. Independence was rooted deep inside of me; I simply would not allow myself to be taken over.

“Domenico will be meeting my parents tomorrow at dinner. I’m kind of nervous. I really like his family and I want him to feel the same about mine,” Kris said.

“Don’t be nervous. Your parents are amazing! He’s going to fit right in. Look, if he can get along with Vlad, he’ll have no problem getting along with your parents.”

Kris nudged my arm. “Admit it, you’re finally coming around to Vladimir.” She puckered her lips to make a kissing face in my direction.

I rolled my eyes and she giggled, knowing she had successfully gotten a rise out of me.