Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 144: Grace: I’m Fine

Something clicks in my mind. The pattern comes into focus with sudden clarity: Caine is orchestrating everything so that I’m not needed. And he’s blocking anyone from getting close to me.

Ron scratches at his cheek, watching them all. "He’s just trying to help," he whispers, following my gaze to where Caine is demonstrating how to shuffle cards to Sara. "But you look like you’re gonna punch him."

"What? No, I’m enjoying the peace." But the words come out through gritted teeth.

I uncross my arms, not realizing I’d been holding myself so rigidly. I should be grateful. Caine is being attentive, gentle with the kids, helpful around the camper. But it feels smothering, like he’s wrapped me in cotton and placed me in a display case.

The air conditioner cycles off again, the third time in the last five minutes. I glance at the temperature display—it’s dropped outside, and with the sun going down, we’re wasting battery power.

"I’ll turn off the AC," I announce, standing up. Finally, something I can do. "Let’s just keep the dehumidifier going and open the windows."

I move toward the control panel, but Caine is there before me, dropping the game immediately to get in my way. His hand covers the panel, stopping me from doing anything. "I’ll do it," he says. "You should rest."

"I’m fine," I insist, reaching past him.

Even with my fingers just an inch from his, his hand doesn’t budge. "You’re exhausted. You need rest."

Something in me snaps. A rubber band pulled too tight, finally giving way.

"Fine," I mutter, not bothering to hide my irritation. "I’ll go take a nap if you insist on playing martyr."

I turn and stalk to Lyre’s bedroom, feeling his eyes on my back the whole way.

The door clicks shut behind me, and I flop onto the bed after opening the windows for a cool breeze and spend the next few minutes glowering at the ceiling. My jaw aches from clenching it so tight. Only after a long exhale does the tension begin to release, my muscles unclenching one by one.

I roll onto my side and pull out my phone. The screen lights up, reminding me of something odd from earlier—the strange Divinity App. I scroll through my apps until I find it, tapping the icon.

The screen flickers, but the app won’t open. I frown, looking more closely at the icon itself. It looks different now—desaturated and dim, as if all the color has been leached from it.

kind of glitch caused by the storm? I’ve never seen an

vibrates with an incoming text. Lyre’s name flashes across the

our way. Should be

floods through me. Lyre will know what to do about... everything.

A second message appears:

Is everything

fly

storm that messed with electronics but

typing a response. They stop. Start again. Stop. There’s a long pause, and I stare at the

Finally, a new message.

be there as soon as I can. Try not

I frown.

ate with the neighbors. Older couple and a dog. They were here before us, though,

again, but all that

[LYRE: ...]

Then:

If Caine’s with you, you’re probably fine.

Why? What should I be

The messages aren’t even

and Caine peers in. "You should rest," he

overhelpful face.

much more resting can I get when I haven’t

I cut him off: "It’s not like I have anything

resentful, but I don’t take them back. I’m still grumpy over how he’s not letting anyone near me. Didn’t invite me into the game. Won’t even let me push buttons

He’s going overboard.

expression unreadable.

him tell one of the kids, "Shh. Grace is trying

I