Rocking. Swaying. Briony was floating in the lake at school. The water was warm against her chilled body, and the gentle waves rocked her. Her mind floated up, thoughts attaching to memories. She’d been outside in the rain. She’d wanted to roll down a hill. Toven Hearst had stopped her. Her eyes fluttered, and she remembered the pain. Her body quaked, and arms pulled her closer. Someone held her to their chest, warm, solid, a steady heartbeat, walking, swaying, rocking her back to sleep. Her skin hurt. She could hear the rain but couldn’t feel it. Warm fingers pushed her wet hair off her
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