Chapter Hundred and Fourteen
Asli pushed open the door to Matilda's room, careful not to make too much noise.
The faint scent of vanilla and old paper filled the small space, and the soft creak of the door made her grimace.
Quiet, she reminded herself to be quiet.
The young girl was sprawled across the bed, a book face-down on her chest, fast asleep under the dim glow of the bedside lamp.
Asli stood for a moment, watching her; the peacefulness she hadn't known herself in years.
Matilda didn't belong in their world. She shouldn't even be breathing the same dangerous air Asli did.
But right now, she needed her.
"Matilda," she whispered, moving closer. She knelt by the bedside and tapped her shoulder. "Wake up."
Matilda stirred, blinking blearily up at her. "Asli? What… what time is it?"
"Almost five." Asli kept her voice low but firm. "I need you to do something for me. Now."
Matilda pushed herself up on her elbows, frowning. "What's wrong?"
