Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
REMINISCENCE
Bleeders are to survey the streets to see if any humans want safety, whether at a Feeding Ground or in a settlement.
— Serun’s Law
Sunlight cuts through the leaves, seeming to slice through every possible gap to best burn my pasty, sensitive skin. Reddened stains tingle with irritation, while sweat coats my hairline and beads down my back, making my shirt cling uncomfortably.
I count down until I can head back into the air-conditioned compound and out of this sweltering mess. Though I’m careful to act as if it doesn’t bother me to ensure I’m hiding my nightwalker half, as nightwalkers cannot step into sunlight.
But I’m not the only one bothered by the sun. Manni’s thick curls cling to her skin, painting wet swirls across her sweaty shoulders.
My eyes soften, and a strange itch twitches my fingertips. “Can I braid your hair?”
Redness tickles her face, and she murmurs, “Sure.”
Jax huffs a breath as I crawl over to Manni and kneel behind her. “You always want to be near your friends instead of your boyfriend.”
“You aren’t my boyfriend,” I pointedly drawl.
“Not yet.”
“Situationship,” Emily coughs.
Manni sits cross-legged in front of me, and Jax’s brow furrows at Emily’s smug smile. Then, with a sigh and a roll of his eyes, his focus lands on Dan sitting beside Em. “Care to join me for a walk? I need to take a piss.”
Dan shrugs, and with a quick squeeze of Emily’s thigh, he rises, and the men head towards the perimeter.
They walk past Julien and Bianca, who are lying in the sun.
Julian’s arm is spread out with Bianca’s head resting on it, while his other hand touches her belly, stroking back and forth as they look at each other adoringly.
“Scouting?” Manni says as I move my focus back to her hair, curling my fingers around the sides and drawing it into a bunch. Movement catches the corner of my eye, and I look up to see the sour look on Cole’s face as he takes Jax’s seat against the tree.
“Likely,” I murmur.
Emily rolls over onto her stomach, resting her elbows in the grass and her chin in her hands, kicking her feet as she watches us. “Why don’t you ever ask to braid my hair?”
“Because I like Manni more than you,” I say, my voice monotone, not flashing her the smile that threatens to slip free.
“Saya’s joking,” Manni says, knowing me too well since we’ve been friends the longest. “How did you learn to braid hair?”
My eyes narrow slightly at the question. “I suppose it came naturally…”
“Huh…My sister used to braid mine, but she was horrendous at it. She would always grab too much and pull too hard.” She laughs, but there is a tinge of sadness when she says, “I miss it, honestly.”
Emily pushes up to sit cross-legged, leaning forward with her elbows resting on her knees. “You never talk about your family.” Her focus flashes between us. “Neither of you.”
I press my lips inwards and bite down.
“There is nothing really to tell,” Manni says while I braid, my fingers spinning hair around delicately as I work. “My family was from Sydal, but when nightwalkers overran it, we took our chances on the mainland…” Her voice softens as she says, “Only to lose almost everyone along the way.”
“Your sister?” I ask.
“It was just me, Nora, and our mum for a while. Then, when mum disappeared, it was only us.” Manni’s voice quivers.
“She braided my hair every morning and sang me to sleep before she went out to find food. We had a routine. I slept during the day while she went out scavenging, and then I would stay up at night while she slept. One day, while she was out scavenging, Bleeders broke down the door and dragged me out. I ended up here, and here I have been—with you guys.”
Emily sighs sharply. “Your sister must miss you.”
Manni laughs as I tap her shoulder, telling her I’m finished.
She leans away and touches the braid. Tears prick in her eyes, but she tries to hide them by blinking fast before they fall.
“Yeah. I can see her scolding me when I finally leave this place. She is fiery and has an attitude. That’s how I know she is still out there. She can survive anything.”
I rest my hand on Manni’s shoulder. “When we get out of here, we should find her. I’m certain Jax wouldn’t mind.”
Emily’s face pinches. “Would he? I get the vibe that he only cares about you.”
“And Cole.” My hand falls away from Manni’s shoulder. “But even if that is so, he will follow me.”
Manni’s smile falters. “Thanks, Saya, but I still don’t know if I want to go. I don’t trust Jax after our last run.”
“About Vinny…” I say, trying to find the right words. “I’m sorry…”
She shakes her head, takes a deep breath, and puts on a strained smile. “Damn, it’s hot today. I’m already looking forward to our morning shower tomorrow!”
Emily and I glance at each other, sensing that Manni needs a break from her past, and silently agree to change the subject to dinner. Cole chimes in, and we all distract ourselves by complaining about the lack of food here while we wait for Jax and Dan to return.