Chapter 135

[Cordelia]

Atlas sets me off like nobody else. I don't know what it is about him that irritates me more: his constant need to be right or his knight-in-shining-armor hero complex, but I can't stand to look at him right now.

Maybe Magnus is right. Maybe I need to take myself and this baby far. far away from Atlas Steele and his terrible, toxic family. Maybe I won't be able to heal myself until I have some space away from all of them.

"Cordelia, please wait," Atlas calls after me in a gentle, broken voice.

I turn around and he is standing where I left him, looking and lost. His clothing is wet and disheveled, his hair askew, the mark of my hand red upon his cheek.

He isn't angry or worked like am.

Atlas is sad.

"I'm sorry Cordelia," he holds out his hand. "I came out here looking for you not to take you home or tell you what you should do. I came out here to apologize."

The rain is coming down in straight sheets of water, soaking us both, but neither of us seeks shelter. We both st