When Marielle stirred again, it took her a moment to realize where she was. It was getting dark, so her entire room was bathed in shadows and gray tones. She must have slept for about four hours if it was already nearing evening. Sitting up slowly, she unbraided her hair. Since it had been wet …

Presently Vincent knew one thing, and one thing only: he was running again. His legs burned from strain. Just a little farther, and he’d be back inside the golden zone, where he could pause and teleport closer to Chamber so they could cobble together a plan. There were at least ten security officers on his …

Marielle wasn’t sure if Vincent was back yet or not. She only knew that evening and the announcement were both approaching fast, and after a long day at work, including a sad session with Jamie during which he spoke mostly about being confused over seeing himself dead, and one with Mateo that had been filled …

Marielle went to the desk where Vincent’s glasses were and brought them to him as he readjusted his tie. “Ah,” he said with a nod as he took them from her and fitted them back over his face, pressing them up the bridge of his nose. She wondered how they were ever going to rejoin …

Vincent was careful not to disturb Marielle as he reached over her lovely frame, which was covered by the white sheet. He shut off the beeping alarm that had infiltrated his nightmare and brought him back to reality. Unlike so many others, the nightmare hadn’t ended with Marielle’s death. He hadn’t woken up in a …