Page 164 of Psycho Pack

She shouldn't have to bear the burden of our broken world.

None of them should.

But she chose this.

Choseus.

The thought still baffles me.

We make our way through the winding corridors of the palace, the pristine white walls a stark contrast to the darkness I feel creeping at the edges of my vision. Every step feels like I'm walking through molasses, the weight of the past dragging at my heels.

When we reach the guest wing, Ivy's already more asleep than awake. Thane scoops her up effortlessly, cradling her against his broad chest. She nuzzles into him, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"I've got her," he murmurs, his deep voice uncharacteristically gentle. "You all get ready to get some sleep."

I nod, not trusting my voice. The others start stripping off their formal attire, but I can't bring myself to move just yet. My eyes are fixed on Ivy's sleeping form as Thane carries her to the massive bed dominating the center of the room.

She looks so peaceful.

So untouched by the horrors of the world.

But I know better.

We all do.

Whiskey's hand on my shoulder startles me out of my thoughts. "You okay?" he asks, his voice low.

I force a smile that feels more like a grimace. "I'm fine."

He snorts, clearly not buying it. "Sure you are. And I'm the fucking princess of Reinmich."

Despite everything, a chuckle escapes me. "I'm pretty sure that's not how that saying goes."

"Yeah, well, I'm improvising." He starts unbuttoning my jacket, his fingers surprisingly nimble. "Come on, let's get you out of this fancy getup before you pass out standing up."

"It's not as if it's a corset," I say dryly.

Whiskey smirks. "Mine is."

I should protest. Should maintain the careful distance I've cultivated for so long. But I'm so tired of running. Of hiding. I let him undress me, my eyes drifting closed as his hands move over my body.

By the time we're both stripped down, the others have already settled into bed around Ivy. She's curled up between Wraith and Thane, her fiery hair spilled over their broad chests. Thane's spooned up behind her, one arm draped protectively over her waist as she nuzzles into Wraith's scarred neck. Valek, surprisingly, has wedged himself between Wraith and the headboard, his silver hair gleaming in the dim light as it falls over his closed eyes.

Together, they look... right.

Complete.

I hesitate at the edge of the bed, suddenly unsure.

Do I belong here?

After everything I've done, everything I've hidden...

Whiskey's hand finds the small of my back, gently urging me forward. "Come on," he murmurs. "You're one of us, whether you like it or not."

I let him guide me onto the bed, settling in beside Thane. Whiskey sprawls out next to me, his bulk radiating heat. Ivy stirs slightly as the mattress dips, her eyes fluttering open.

"Hamsa?" she mumbles, reaching for me with a sleepy smile.