Page 36 of Powerful

What a horrible way to find out.

Tears well in my eyes as I take a step towards him. ‘Oh, Mak…’

His composure crumples before his body suddenly crashes into mine.

He slumps against me, shoulders shaking as I wrap my arms tightly round him. The flyer showcasing Hera’s death flutters to the ground, forgotten in the wave of emotions threatening to drown him. His body shudders against mine, limbs limply draped round me.

‘She’s gone,’ he chokes out. ‘She’s gone, and it’s all my fault.’

Sniffling, I whisper, ‘No, it’s not. Don’t you go thinking this is your fault.’

Sobs rack his body, shaking the two of us where we stand in the doorway. ‘It should have been me.’ His arms clutch my waist, holding onto me for support. ‘It should have been me.’

‘Shh.’ I run a hand down the back of his hair, feeling hot tears slip from my eyes. ‘It’s gonna be okay.’

‘Dena.’ His voice is a whisper, a guilty confession. ‘Itshould have been me. I wish it was me.’

‘Don’t say that.’ I squeeze him tighter, feeling his body shake with each breath. ‘I need you.’

‘Don’t,’ he murmurs against my hair. ‘I’ll only disappoint you.’

CHAPTER 14Adena

Over the next several days, it is a personal goal of mine to see Mak smile.

This task is most definitely not for the faint of heart. But it’s rewarding in a way that keeps me searching for any sign of even the slightest smile.

And that is what has led us to tonight’s activity.

‘This is bullshit.’

And someone is not very enthusiastic about it.

‘Wow, you were not kidding.’ I smother my laugh with a hand before forcing enough composure to continue. ‘You really can’t skip.’

‘I’m done,’ he huffs, heading for his door to abandonthe alley we are practicing in. ‘I’ve lived this long without being able to do it.’

‘Come on!’ I chase after him, grabbing an arm to slow him. ‘Just a little more practice and you’ll have it. This will take your mind off things.’

He spins, his face accusing. ‘Did you need to practice?’

‘Well… No, but—’

‘See, you’re a natural at this happy, girly shit.’ He shakes his head. ‘I – as shocking as it may seem – am not.’

‘Right,’ I lower my voice, forcing it to sound gruff, ‘you’re all brooding and rough with your sharp knives and lack of smiles.’

He crosses his arms over his chest. ‘Oh, is that what I’m like?’

‘And what you sound like.’ I smile. ‘Sort of.’

‘Fine.’ He gives me that sarcastic smile, though his eyes are still clouded with the sorrow of losing Hera. ‘Well, you are all giggles and perpetual happiness with your bows and other frilly… things.’

I nod slowly, stepping towards him. ‘And do you like that about me?’

He doesn’t need a moment to ponder. ‘Among several other things.’

‘Good,’ I say simply, placing a hand on my hip. ‘Because I’m not changing. I like my frilly, girly things.’

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