Noah's POV
It's day three.
I check the time for the fifth time since arriving at the stadium which is really just the hundredth time since I woke up this morning.
10:34AM.
Still hours before sunset, but my stomach is already in knots. I took a risk when I didn't take my Vir. I didn't want it, I was tired of it, so I abandoned it. And I had the most amazing night of my life. I'm happy. Marked. I've been reconnecting with Finnian. It's been great.
And now my delusions are over. I'm counting down to the end of these good days.
If I don't take the Vir by the end of today, the DPA will send the Shepherds tomorrow… to 'remind' me.
And I'm not ready for that.
I'm not ready for the heavy knocks on the door. The muddy boots on the porch. The humiliating speeches about the collective safety of all species and responsibility to our kind. I'm not ready to be reminded of how little control I have over my own body in the eyes of the law.
