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for a moment. Then he walks toward me. The sound of each step on the marble hammers into my head.
    I’m breathing too fast. Trying to control it just makes it worse. I’m afraid I’ll hyperventilate and collapse, not exactly the reunion I’d envisioned. But then again, it’s not about us, it’s about Cole. I take in a deep breath and tense my muscles to quash the trembling.
    He stops a few feet away and just stares, not a hint of a word on his lips.
    Despite all my efforts, I feel like I’m going to lose it right there. I can’t take not knowing anymore. “Cassius,” I murmur.
    His thick eyebrows arch. He nods toward the door. “Do you think I was too hard on her?”
    “Huh?” Of all the things I expected him to say, I’m not prepared for that question.
    “I’m still working on my intimidating voice,” he says, his tone dropping an octave. Then the seriousness evaporates from his face, leaving only a huge grin, brighter than the streaming sun.
    My heart almost shuts down. He’s adorned in a navy blue tunic trimmed with gold lace, attire befitting a Prefect. His wavy auburn hair is longer now, and each strand captures the sunlight. Sea-green eyes wash over me, carrying away the dread and pain. I’m trembling again, this time with emotions I’m not quite sure I understand and don’t care if I ever do.
    “I told you I’d come back for you, Lucky.” His soft voice quavers at the end.
    “So what took you so long, huh?” I choke on the words.
    And then we’re hugging each other so fiercely I can’t breathe, but it doesn’t matter because I can’t think of a better place to die.
    Cassius’s chest muffles my sobs. I’ve tried to be strong for Cole, but everything that’s happened today—meeting Digory, that horrible death in the alley, the looming Recruitment—it’s all too much to hold in, and I welcome sharing this weight that’s threatening to crush me with every breath I take.
    All too soon, we pull apart, basking in each other.
    The palm of his hand travels from his head to mine, measuring the difference in our height. “Look at you, my little Lucky, all grown up.”
    “And you , come back the youngest Prefect the Parish has ever known.” My fingers trace the delicate embroidery on his lapels.
    A cloud siphons the brightness from his face. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you myself.” He enfolds my wrists with the warmth of his touch. “I couldn’t risk anyone finding out … that you … ”
    My eyes drop to my filthy bare feet. I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly conscious of my near nakedness. “That you still associate with us peons?” I whisper.
    His finger tilts my chin up until our eyes link. “No, Lucky. It’s not like that, I promise you. It’s just that the Establishment has certain protocols when it comes to fraternization between government officials and citizens.” He stuffs his hands into his vest pockets. “I figured I could do you and your family more good if our relationship was seen as a more neutral one, to dispel any claims of favoritism, that’s all.”
    I bite my lower lip. “Yeah, I understand, Cass. It’s not wise to show them you care about anyone in particular, especially if you’re going to represent the Establishment’s code of values.” I don’t intend to sound so harsh, but my conversation with Digory in the sewers still burns in my mind.
    Cassius doesn’t seem to notice. He’s circling me, inspecting the flaps of the shoddy blanket that barely cover the cuts beneath. “As soon as I heard you were in custody I had them bring you right to me.” He stops, brushing his forehead against mine. “How bad did they hurt you, Lucky?”
    I shrug. “I’ll be all right.”
    He wrinkles his nose. “What’s that smell ? Did you lose at Shit Dash or something?”
    “Hey, I used to beat you at that every time, and you know it!” I give him a playful push away.
    He shakes his head. “Faulty memory, Lucky. Come here.” He leads me behind a red