Henry continued, “I know. But you’re not safe. None of us are safe.”

Violet gestured across the table at Henry. “That’s what I keep saying! We don’t really have time to rest. We should at least sleep in shifts so that somebody’s awake, keeping an eye on things.”

Especially annoyed that Violet was inferring that she and Henry were on the same side, I mumbled, “That’s probably a reason for us to stay away from each other as long as possible.” I lifted a slice of pizza to my lips and took an unenthusiastic bite.

With a confused frown, Henry pressed on. “McKenna. You know we’re running out of time.”

I felt the weight of everyone’s stares on me, and I tossed my piece of pizza onto the plate in front of me. They were all waiting for me to say something, do something. As always.

“What!” I exclaimed. “Of course I know that, Henry! Do you guys think I’m holding out on you? That I’m just going to whip up a way to fix this after running around all day? After watching a fire destroy my house—and having to follow my mom’s boyfriend to the hospital because he got hurt—and knowing it’s all my fault? I’m out of ideas, guys, okay? I’m tired!”

As I pushed myself away from the table, feeling like I was about to start crying, Henry pleaded, “Come on, McKenna. You know I don’t expect you to have all the answers.”

I hurried out of the kitchen and into the dimly lit living room before it occurred to me that I wasn’t in my own home and didn’t really know my way around. So I collapsed on one of the uncomfortable antique sofa settees moments before Trey followed me into the room and sat down beside me. We were both silent before he finally said, “I wish I could tell you that you didn’t have to do this. That we’d take care of it, and you didn’t have to worry.” He laced his fingers together where his hands hung between his knees and looked down at his feet. “But we don’t stand a chance without you. And as much as it sucks about Mischa? To be honest, at this point, all I care about is finding a way to save you.”

If I attempted to speak, I knew I would cry. So instead, I leaned against Trey and rested my head on his shoulder.

“If that’s what it comes down to, McKenna, you have to promise me you’ll save yourself.” He stroked my hair, and I held my breath to avoid breaking into sobs. Because if I started crying, I might never stop. “If you think putting yourself first is selfish, then think of it as doing what’s best for me, or for your mom.”

I shook my head, doing my best to tamp down the sob I felt crawling up my throat. “I don’t know if I can save anyone,” I admitted. All of the boldness I’d had in the fall about toppling Violet and breaking the curse was gone. The idea of spending the last few days of my life chasing Mischa and watching both of my parents suffer was starting to seem like a heartbreaking waste of time. I could just lovingly bid my mom farewell and go back to Florida, where I could help Rhonda and Dad set up the nursery for the baby and at least leave something meaningful behind.