I walked and walked, passing stunning waterways, ancient rock scrambles and even a rustic log cabin that looked one windstorm away from crumbling. I crossed a boulder bridge, awestruck by the fact that the thing was still standing, and as I walked, I replayed what I’d done.

Part of me couldn’t believe that I hadn’t found a different way. Another part of me knew I should’ve kept my cool and not given in to the anger that had led me to showing the witch what I was. The moment I’d done that, there was no going back. And I acknowledged that that wasn’t the first time I’d killed something other than a demon.

There’d been Ryker, then Clay.

And there’d been Misha.

All of them had been acts of self-defense, but although Faye had attacked me, I’d been able to restrain her. She’d been no real threat to my safety. Plus, I’d goaded her and then some, and...if I was being honest with myself, serving retribution had felt good.

Coming to a bench, I sat down heavily and lifted my gaze to the trees. This place reminded me of the Community, where I’d grown up. The air smelled fresher here. I sat back, realizing I didn’t feel any demons nearby.

Guess they didn’t like parks.

I stared at a sign across from me, having no idea what landmark it announced, and all I could think was that, when Faye had screamed, I hadn’t flinched, and when I’d ended her life, I hadn’t felt anything other than righteous retribution.

That was why I needed to walk. Those were the feelings I needed to sort out. Roth’s parting words had been powerful but pointless, because I didn’t feel an ounce of guilt. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to or not, and if I was, I didn’t know what that said about me.

Or what I was capable of.

17

I had no idea how much time had passed when my phone started ringing. But I had a sinking suspicion about who it was as I pulled out my phone.

Zayne.

I really should’ve found my way back to the apartment before he returned, but I would’ve had to hail a cab or figure out how to use the Uber app, which I would barely have been able to see. Two things I’d never done before.

Probably should’ve thought of that before I let Roth drop me off.

I answered, wincing when I squeaked out a criminal-sounding “Hello?”

“Where are you?” Zayne asked, concern so apparent I could picture him pacing. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I felt bad for making him worry. “Completely okay. I’m at Rock Creek Park.”

“You’re where?” Surprise flooded his voice.

“It’s a park near the zoo—”