My body was on fire. I twisted and writhed in pain, as my screams bounced off the walls.

Atlas rushed to me, his eyes scanning me for a few seconds before they darted to Adeline.

One moment, he was at my side, and the next? He was strangling the life of out the wretched her.

As much as I wanted to root for him, and maybe even strangle her too, I didn’t oppose as Atlas closed the distance between us and picked me up.

Voices merged with echoes as dark spots appeared in my vision. “Stay with me, Julia,” Atlas’ breaths came out ragged, “Please, peek-a-boo,”

My hand reached for...