Her fingers clenched as she restrained herself from grasping his hands. Even if she had to give him up there was still plenty to live for, and even after her deal with Gideon she still hoped she'd be around to see it all. She wasn't the girl who had nothing to live for anymore. She wouldn't do anything to damage their cause, but she would be helpful down there.

Then, not seeming to care about the others, he pulled her hood tighter, his hands hesitating on the edges as he held it for a moment.įrustration filled her she ached to touch him, to reassure him that she would be fine and that she wasn't doing this to be reckless. He would force her to stay with him if she pushed him she was still a little surprised he had relented to begin with. She bristled at his commanding tone, but he was frightened and arguing with him about it would get her nowhere. You need to run if something goes wrong, and I mean it.' 'You're not faster than a vampire, and you have a habit of throwing yourself on the sword to protect others. Her hair was already tucked beneath the hood, but she adjusted it again to try and ease the tension she felt running high in him. 'Make sure your hair stays covered.' His frustration was obvious as his hand twitched toward her. Her father wasn't happy about this either, but at least he was used to them going on such missions and more accustomed to watching his loved ones walk away. For a moment his hands fisted in impotence as he grappled with his urge to protest her decision. Seeming to sense her attention he turned to her and offered a small smile.īraith stepped in front of her, drawing her attention away from Max. He was only a couple years older than her, but there were lines around his eyes and the corners of his pinched mouth. He looked older, wiser than his young years.

He was still handsome, but she was acutely reminded of the fact that the boy she had grown up with was gone. Rain trickled down his face and had plastered his fair hair down. Max was also wearing the cloak but the hood was tossed back. William and Daniel stood beside her, the hoods of their cloaks pulled up. Saul and Calista came forward to speak with Braith before returning to the small group gathered within the tree line. Braith moved closer to her but now that they were amongst his people again, he had returned to trying to keep his distance from her. A palace that she could see the gleaming top of as it rose out from behind another hill. It was beautiful, deadly, and far too close to the palace for her liking. She stood at the top of the hill, staring down at the town that rolled out from the hollows of the knoll. As much as she hated the cloaks she was grateful for the cover it provided from the surprisingly chilly rain. It billowed around her ankles, blowing back to allow the rain to wet the bottom of her pants. Aria's head was down, her bow discreetly tucked away on her back and covered by the gray cloak.

Refugee by Erica Stevens