It’s weird in English, not having Damen beside me, holding my hand, whispering in my ear, and acting as my off switch. The first sentence of this new chapter could not be more telling.  Remember, when we last left off, Damen informed her that he was some immortal, magic-wielding something or other who also brought…

Haven shows up at school the next day, looking rather pale and limp, but still assuring everyone that it was just a flu and she’s fine.  Then she mentions that she was sick enough to black out and forget large chunks of time.  No one around her says any version of “holy fuck, no, that’s…

Ever goes to Damen’s house.  I’ve almost reached the top of the hill when I see the next street on my list, and after making a left, quickly followed by another, I stop at the end of his block For some reason we have to hear about every turn she makes on her way to…

Ever gets home and sees that Riley is waiting outside for her.  Ever is mad, obviously so, but doesn’t want to talk about it.  However, Riley obviously also has something to say, and since I already know that Ever’s deal is just that she’s an idiot, I don’t care.  I want to know what’s going…

The next day, when I pull into the parking lot, Damen’s not there. Excuse me while I alert the media. While I’m just the opposite: paranoid, secretive, lurking behind sunglasses and a hoodie, and hoarding a burden so heavy there’s nothing simple about me. Oh, yeah, you’re just so fucking deep and complex, aren’t you? …