Ree Carter

Once again, Ree’s alone in the forest, following the dark path as it winnows to nothing. She curls her fingers into the hem of her fishbone-knit sweater and tries to feel as tethered as the trees are to the ground. Wondering what it would be like, if she needed to turn around at this point, like the other townspeople did. Hating that she doesn’t know how to make that longing go away.

Jack Oren

Jack moves to the water's edge, keeping the Shadow in his sight-line. He hovers his foot over the water’s glassy surface, then places it down. His toe slips under, and the toe of his shoe stirs the slimy muck beneath. For some reason it spurs laughter.

“Definitely not a god,” he says.

The Shadow

Ree focuses on the feeling of the Shadow’s hands against her own. The girl’s calluses; the stubby, regrowing nails. The heat of a heartbeat beneath the skin. Res compulsively slides her hand around the Shadow’s bony, but still-soft wrists: proof that she hasn’t gone completely hard. That Arden’s still in there, deep inside.

Star Carter

“If you want me to leave, I will,” says Ree. When she makes for the door, Star shoots up in bed. Fingers still clenching the pillow. Black mascara smears bruising her blue eyes.

“Why do you think I’d want that, Ree?” she asks. “I chose you as my maid of honor. Do you still think I hate you after all this time?”

Ree shakes her head, but all she wants to say is 'Yes. And if you don’t already, you will, very soon.'

Scout Kuroki

“I’m… Well, I’m glad we’re going to be brother and sister from tomorrow. Whatever anyone else has to say about it.”

After clasping Ree on the shoulder, he offers her a sincere smile and takes off with a jog.