Soul of Glass by Megan O'Russell

Author:Megan O'Russell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Megan O'Russell

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

I tried to stop reality from crashing back down around me as I walked toward Bloom Dome. But without Alec to distract me, I couldn’t keep the grief from pushing its way back into my chest.

I’d known the moment I got in the truck to come to the Arcadia Domes I would never see Mom or Jaime again. But knowing they were out there in the world had somehow made it seem less definitive and hopeless. Even though I’d never see them or talk to them again, I hadn’t felt so utterly alone.

I pulled Alec’s handkerchief back out of my pocket, brushing away a fresh round of tears. I needed to look calm for Mari. I couldn’t let her guess why I needed to hold her so tight.

My legs ached like I’d just run for hours as I climbed the steps to Bloom Dome. I wondered if my muscles had given into despair, if my body wanted me to slide back under the waves to drown in grief.

“Dammit, Alec.” I wanted to be in his arms again. I wanted him to make me forget again.

The lights had already been turned low along the path to Miranda’s house. I’d been out too long. She’d want an explanation. I wondered if telling her I’d been with a boy would cause elation or punishment.

I stopped at the fountain and splashed water onto my face, washing away the last traces of my tears.

Maybe that’s what I could tell Miranda. The dance hadn’t gone well and I’d run off to cry in the shadows because Gideon had abandoned me in the crowd.

It seemed like a good story, a drama worthy of a girl who’d only ever known the safety of the domes. Even Gideon might believe it.

I shoved aside the tendril of guilt that wriggled in my stomach.

“The world is ending, Lanni. Who you kiss doesn’t rank in the top thousand problems. Get your shit together.”

I shook out my shoulders and looked toward Miranda’s house. Five minutes of conversation with our guardian and I’d be able to go home.

A weird light flickering beside the path caught my eye. The glow brightened as it rose.

I ran toward the light. It wasn’t even two hundred feet down the path.

A single-unit house hid back in the trees. Flames flickered through the first-floor windows.

“Shit.” I bolted toward the house. “Fire! You have to get out, there’s a fire.” I banged on the door. “Get out, there’s a fire!” I grabbed the doorknob. The heat of it stung my skin, but it wouldn’t turn. “You have to get out!”

I stayed silent for a moment, listening for voices over the crackle of the flames.

I couldn’t hear anyone, but it didn’t make sense. Whoever lived inside should be home and asleep.

“Shit.” I sprinted back toward the fountain. “Someone get help, there’s a fire!” I shouted as loudly as I could, hoping someone would hear and actually do something.

I jumped into the fountain, dunking myself in the water to soak my clothes. My boots squished as I scrambled over the side and ran back toward the house.

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