Delaney

By the time I woke up, Carter was long gone, and so was my father. The house was quiet, save for the shower, the blow-dryer, the toaster, the coffee maker, and everything else I used or touched as I got ready for Carter's dad's send-off.

"Delaney, get your ass out here unless you want us to be late." Nyra's voice invaded my mind, startling me. I ran down the stairs, smiling when she waved at me from the passenger's door hurrying me up, Elias behind the wheel.

"You seem awfully happy on a sad morning," I pointed out as I slipped into the backseat. "Good morning, Elias," I greeted,...