Chapter 61 - Ethan
Ethan
Something’s off.
I feel it before I see it.
Ava’s pace shifts.
Just a fraction slower.
Her breath catches—then evens out like she’s forcing it.
Most people wouldn’t notice.
I do.
“Ava.”
“I’m fine.”
She doesn’t even look at me.
I reach for her anyway—fingers closing around her arm, turning her toward me.
Her skin is pale.
Too pale.
There’s a faint sheen of sweat at her temple.
“This is it, isn’t it?”
Her eyes flicker.
Just for a second.
Then she locks it down.
“I don’t know.”
Not good enough.
Her hand finds mine.
Grips tight.
Stronger than she should be right now.
“We’re close,” she says. “I can feel it.”
Not in her body.
Somewhere deeper.
Something tied to the system.
I don’t like that.
Not even a little.
But I don’t let go.
“Then we finish it,” I say.
My thumb presses against her knuckles.
Grounding.
“Together.”