Page 443 of The Luna Duet

He’s—

I fell to my hands and knees.

I opened my mouth.

And screamed.

I screamed.

And screamed.

I screamed as my parents fell out of their bedroom.

I screamed as they gathered me close.

I screamed as my insides tore to pieces and my heart bled dry and the world went dim.

My lower belly sliced with despair.

I screamed.

I roared.

I howled.

I screamed and screamed and screamed...until I fainted.

Chapter Thirty-Two

*

Nerida

AGE: 20 YRS OLD

*

(Love in Javanese: Tresna)

POP.

Pop.

Pop.

That quiet puff that sounded like a champagne cork was the only thing I could hear on a loop inside my head. The bullet piercing Aslan. The weapon’s noise as he died.

Pop.

Pop.

Pop.

Great heaving sobs cracked my ribs as I curled into a ball.

I didn’t know where I was.

I didn’t care.