Celeste

The moment my mother left, I could finally breathe again. My cheek still burned where she’d slapped me. My scalp throbbed where she’d pulled my hair. But worse than the physical pain was the fear crushing my chest.

What was I going to do?

I couldn’t steal from Jace. Not after everything. Not after he’d trusted me, protected me, believed me when no one else did.

But if I didn’t bring my mother what she wanted, she would hurt me again. Maybe even worse this time.

And her threat... I will get rid of you and him.

Did she mean she would actually kill us?

I wrapped my arms...