Billie.
That night, sleep came slow and restless.
And then—a dream.
I was running.
Barefoot, through an open field blanketed in silver light. The wind tugged at my clothes, my hair whipping wildly as the sky darkened overhead. Thunder rumbled low and angry, and streaks of lightning crackled in the distance. The air smelled like rain. Like something terrible was about to begin.
I didn't know where I was going. Just that I had to get there—fast.
Birds erupted from the trees in a chaotic storm of wings. Then—a gunshot. I froze, heart hammering.
That's when I saw him.
Lexus.
On the ground. Blood pooling beneath him, staining the earth. And standing over him—
His uncle. Gun still smoking. Face unreadable.
"No," I whispered, stumbling forward, dropping to my knees beside Lexus. "No, no, no—Lexus!"
He was barely conscious, blood on his lips. I cradled his head in my lap, my hands shaking.
"Stay with me," I sobbed. "Please—I love you."
