ZIRA

I stood still for a few more moments before walking over to Alaia. I stood a few feet away, thinking she would jump up and attack me. My heart was pounding in my ears, so I couldn’t tell if she was okay. Hell, I didn’t know why I cared. 

Because I’m not a monster. 

“Alaia?”  

Silence. Only the sound of the wind could be heard. I took cautious steps toward her body. I bent over as my hand shook to touch her shoulders, and she lunged at me. She pushed me to the ground, pinning one of my arms with her foot and one of her hands. She used...