Chapter 85

CLAUDIA. I jump out of bed, grabbing the clothes Achilles laid out for me the night before and putting them on. For a moment I debate whether or not I should interrupt them, but then the door opens before I can even decide. Achilles stands by the door, with Carlos and Kiernan still at the back. His face lights up when he sees me, and even though the two are watching, he runs up to me and lifts me in one arm, kissing me softly. “I thought you were still asleep,” he says, leaning in for another kiss before setting me down. “I heard you talking,” I say, touching his face. “And I don’t feel anything bad. I think the mark makes it better.” “Really?” he says in disbelief, sweeping me right off my feet again. Behind him, Carlos and Kiernan are looking at each other, passing off meaningful looks. I can sense that they’re about to tease him, so I pat his back to tell him to set me down. And he does just that, with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his handsome face. “Well, looks like s