“What is going on?” I asked, even though it was already burning its way through my chest. The chants rose with the force of a tide, eager to swallow me, and I despised the way my heart jumped each time my name was mentioned.

Micah turned slowly, deep ridges forming in his forehead, and I swallowed whatever question I was going to ask.

I should have kept silent.

We remained in that awkward silence, the chants getting nearer until it was impossible to ignore, and I turned towards him, the unspoken words lingering on my tongue.

Micah shook his head, already sensing what I was going to do. “Let me...