I open my eyes, squinting in the light. I had forced myself asleep so I could go into Death and watch for my parents or Fenris, but something called me back to Life. I had been in Death so long that it was daytime when I came back to my body. I crawl out from under the bed and find Fenris standing, waiting. He smiles as he sees me but it’s sad. I’m not sure what’s happened, but my stomach begins to feel all heavy and twisty. One thing I do notice is that mom and dad aren’t with him.

“Hi.” I mutter.

“Hey Zoey.” He strains a smile. “We need to go now, okay? Is it okay to touch you?”

“I-“ I pause and look at my hands then to Elizabeth. She’s sad too as she shakes her head. “No. I don’t think so.” I whisper.

“Okay. That’s okay. Are you okay?” He asks.

This time I don’t try to answer at first. Am I okay? “I want mom and dad.” I croak out, keeping my tears at bay.

Uncle Fenris goes to move towards me but he winces and stops. “Zoey…I’m sorry but…they’re not…” He takes a shaky breath. “They’re gone.”

It takes a moment for his words to sink in. When they do I begin to shake my head, covering my mouth. “No, no they can’t be. I didn’t see them go by. Th-They promised.”

“I’m sorry, Zoey. The bad guys…they stopped them. Your parents stopped them all. But in the end they just couldn’t…” He looks away.

I want to run and hug him. I want to bury my face against him and cry. But if I do, I’ll lose him too. I can’t touch anyone anymore. If I do, I’ll kill them, just like I did that wolf. So instead, I step away and close my eyes, trying to calm myself.

“Zoey. We’ve got to go, okay? Can you be strong for me? We have to leave. I’m taking you to your grandparents in Hidden Springs. They’re going to take care of you.” He says, beginning to reach out for my hand before he stops. He can’t touch me.

“Why? Why can’t I stay with you? You aren’t leaving me too, are you?” I ask.

“I’m going to stay with you as long as I can, Zoey. Okay? I promise that I am going to stay with you for as long as I can. Now, let’s go. We need to get to the airport and buy tickets to get to Hidden Springs.” Uncle Fenris smiles at me before turning to leave.

“Go, Zoey. You must go. Your journey has begun. I’m so sorry, Zoey. It’s not going to be easy, and you’re going to have to grow up too quick, but you’re going to do great things. Goodbye Zoey.” Elizabeth says.

I nod, biting my lip to hold my tears back. Is everyone going to leave me? I look down at my hands as I pick up my feet to follow after Uncle Fenris. What did I do last night to make me so dangerous to touch, and why is everyone leaving me?