The silence between us stretched out, but it wasn't awkward. Sometimes there are people you can be quiet with, and you never feel the need to fill the gap with meaningless chit-chat. I'd only become that close to a couple people in my hometown, and I'd always thought it took years. Lucas and I were already there.

He frames my face with his hands as he says, "Tess. Only you could be brave enough to die with me. But I want you to live for me." We kiss, as desperate as though we were drowning. When our lips part, Alec says, "Forgive me.

Forget normal.” He grinned. “We’re going to be extraordinary.

The only one taking a risk here is me, if I get too attached to you. It’s not risky for you, as long as you’re not confused either.” “I’m not.” “Of course you aren’t.” A small smile played on Balthazar’s lips.

Even if that were true, it wouldn't be irony," Lucas pointed out. "Irony is the contrast between what's said and what happens.

Poor Lucas, always trying to protect me from danger. He’d never guessed that I was the dangerous one.

I was the only one who knew the whole truth about Lucas--who he really was, and what we felt for each other. The truth was all I had left of him, and I would have to carry it alone.