Page 398 of Black Reign

Everyone immediately blames Jalen.

“I WAS EATING.”

“THAT IS NOT WATCHING.”

“It literally requires visual contact.”

Kane starts laughing.

Leo reaches for something near the stove.

Jade shouts, “Don't touch that.”

The phone swings wildly.

For thirty seconds, all I see is ceiling.

Then Drew returns, slightly breathless.

“Okay. Emergency contained.”

“Your house is smoking.”

“Ambiance.”

Sabine leans against my shoulder.

I feel her laughing.

Drew sees.

His expression softens for half a second.

Then he points at us.

“Christmas. You're both coming.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Sabine says, “Maybe.”

I turn.

She smiles.

Drew cheers.

“No maybes,” I tell her.

“You hate that word.”

“I deeply hate that word.”

“I know.”

She rests her head against my shoulder.