Page 42 of Citadel

Breanna splits her work duties between guarding the wall and doing scavenging or messenger runs. At first the leaders were hesitant about letting her leave the safety of the walls, but she’s proven herself to be better at sneaking around, finding provisions, and returning unscathed than anyone else.

The men tend to plow through their route, relying on their weapons and numbers to save them.

Breanna is smart. She never gets seen, so she never gets in trouble.

And she doesn’t like the feeling of being always trapped behind walls.

“No, I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I’ve got the morning off, so I was going to finish up on the roof while it’s not so hot.”

“Okay. Just let me know if you change your mind.”

* * *

I don’t change my mind, so Breanna leaves town alone just after dawn and I walk over to the dining room for an early breakfast.

There aren’t many people here this early in the morning. Most folks either have to head for morning shifts or else they take the opportunity to sleep in. I scan the scattering of seated townspeople and go to join Theresa, the old lady who first picked us up when we were traveling in this direction two years ago.

Her husband, Ned, died a few months ago.

“Hi, honey,” she says with an easy smile. “You’re up early today.”

“Yeah. Breanna left on a run just now, so I figured I’d grab something to eat before I get working.”

“Makes sense. You in the garden today?”

“No. It’s actually my day off, so I’m going to do some work around the house.”

“Be sure you take some time to relax. Everyone needs it occasionally.”

“Yeah. I will.”

Theresa looks like she’s going to say something else, but her eyes cut over to the door behind me. Her expression changes. “There’s your young man.”

I gasp and turn around to look before I can stop myself. Sure enough, Cole has just entered. His gaze finds me unerringly. He watches me soberly for several seconds before he walks over to the short food line.

“He’s not my young man.”

Theresa gives a shrug. “If you say so.”

“I haven’t even seen him in two years.”

“I know. But he still looks at you like a blessing come to life. He always did.”

I feel my cheeks flushing. Wish they weren’t. “Sure. That’s why he disappeared off the face of the earth for two years.”

“Oh, he’s got baggage. More than most. But if he can ever shake it off, then nothing will stop that man from claiming you.” Theresa studies my expression and snickers. “Don’t look so upset. You used to watch him like he hung the stars.”

“I know,” I admit, rubbing my face and trying very hard not to glance over to Cole’s direction again. “But that was a long time ago. I’ve grown up. And I know better than to trust in a crush anymore.”

* * *

I manage to avoid Cole at breakfast, although at one point I have to flee the dining room in order to do so. He keeps looking like he’s going to come over and talk to me.

And I don’t want to talk to him.

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