Page 17 of Pitch Dark

I don’t mention her crying. Aislin is stubborn and wants to be strong. Instead, I hold her and wrap the extra sweatshirt around her tighter. When she seems to have herself under control, I force her to put the sweatshirt on. Our eyes make brief contact before she looks away.

“Thank you.”

I take her hand and start tugging her toward the exit but stop before climbing down.

“You never have to thank me, but I do need you to promise me something.” I pause, waiting for her to acknowledge me before I continue.

She nods her head.

“Promise me you’ll never do this again.”

“Niko.” She sighs.

“No. You haven’t taken off like this since we first met and I found you hiding out here all alone. You’re my North Star, but I need you to come to me first if you feel like disappearing. We can go together.” I reach back to rub the back of my neck. “I never want to feel that scared again.”

She hesitates, and when she answers, it’s quiet. “Okay.”