Chapter Eight
Applesteine’s Institute
***Lorana***
Dad carried me through a separate set of sliding doors that opened when we approached. I wept helplessly in his embrace, barely able to stand. I had never felt so profoundly heartbroken. The pain was deep, clutching at my chest with intensity. I wanted to be with Onyx. I wanted to know he was going to be okay.
We were in a hospital foyer, where the scent of sterile disinfectant filled the air. It was uncomfortably empty, except for the stern woman sitting at a counter with her solid arms crossed over her chest. A protective shield surrounded her, warping her thick frame like some morbid painting. Her eyes fell on me, sending shivers down my spine.
“Over here...” someone called. It was a man with a heavy voice and a thick accent I coul
