Chapter 38

ACHILLES. The feeling of surprise that came with Claudia’s swift hug is bittersweet. Her touch alone brings me so much comfort that I find myself wrapping my arms around her, pulling her close to me, and inhaling her scent. However, at the same time, knowing that she must have been truly in distress to just collapse in my arms after days of hiding from me is enough to break my heart. She’s shaking against me. Quivering like a child left in the snow. Even though the surroundings are filled with the secondhand heat from the fire raging in the distance, her skin is cold. She’s burrowing against me like she’s desperate for warmth, and I make sure to be close enough to her even as she breaks the hug. Meanwhile, the people behind her are starting to notice me. I see an old woman in a wheelchair gasping as she looks at me. It’s not an expression of welcome surprise on her face either. That’s just pure contempt. But the others seem to be in awe of my presence. They're bowing to me, all of