“No,” Riley says, brushing hair back from her ear. He smiles, though, and adds, “But also yes. The same happened to me when I first Spoke. Something within me just knew what to do, just knew it would work. It was scary, but it was also instinctive, natural.” His eyes narrow as he finishes, “That doesn’t mean we won’t be having words about you throwing me through the air. But I’ll wait until you’re feeling a bit better.”

She bites her lip, the action so familiar that it’s like looking into a mirror. “I’m sorry. As you said, it was instinctual. I knew you were following me.”

“Of course I was following you. I’d follow you anywhere, Lyss. Even into a burning building.”

The assurance in his voice, the confidence … Tears spring to my eyes.

“Exactly,” she says. “I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

“I don’t know about that. My butt is bruised spectacularly thanks to you,” Riley returns. “Not to mention, my dignity.”

She grins. “You’ll heal.”

I have to wipe my cheeks while watching their exchange— our exchange. This is what it was like between us, between Riley and me. Between my brother and me. I can’t believe I had this. I can’t believe I don’t remember it. I can’t believe how much I want it.

The smile on Riley’s face fades at her words. “What?” she asks.

He clears his throat but doesn’t answer. “Riles, what?” she repeats, a little of her panic from earlier creeping back into her voice.

He sighs and scrubs a hand over his young face. “It’s Theo.”

She freezes. “You said he was fine.”

“I said you saved him. But, Lyss …”

Through numb lips, she whispers, “Tell me.”

Riley takes a hold of her hands. “He was burned. Badly. The SCARS healer did what she could, but the damage …” He blows out a breath. “He’s going to be scarred for the rest of his life.”

Her lower lip trembles. “But … But he’s okay, right? Other than … Other than the scars?”

“It’ll take some time, but he’ll get there.”

She processes that in silence for a moment before she asks, “Nana Smith? Papa Smith? Are they—”

“Both fine, at least physically,” Riley says. “You know Theo’s parents were killed years ago in a fire, so they’re a little shaken. Mum and Dad wanted to be here when you woke, but they were worried enough about the Smiths that they thought it was best to stay with them and make sure they’re all right. All of them.”