Page 19 of The Merciless

Just looked straight ahead at the people she’d managed to gather. People she’d managed to befriend, to convince. People who’d risked theirlivesfor her.

A sudden wave of nostalgia washed over her. Followed by a rush ofholy shit.

“Five years,” Came Neera’s soft voice, a tone she hadn’t heard inages.Ray choked back a sob as Akash extended his hands above his head in a stretch and mumbled,

“Six months,”

Myra shuffled forward, her hand hooked through Irene’s as she shot Ray a bright grin,

“10 days,”

Irene rolled her eyes, but it was Cameron who signed from beside Neera,

“15 hours,”

And finally, Noah looked down at his watch and squinted,

“20 minutes,”

“And 5 seconds,” Sorin whispered, “Four, three, two–”

One.

They all moved so fast that all their movements were a simple,crazyblur.

One that Raylostherself in as they formed a large huddle, their hands bracing one another, their laughter combining with tears and cries.

Ray had her eyes shut when Akash wrapped his hands around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his chest, Myra right behind him. Irene’s soft touch warmed her back as the rest of them shifted together, shifted closer.

Ray let out a wet laugh as she turned and delivered a bone-crushing hug to the girl. Neera and Myra joined their huddle, all four of them sighing and laughing together as the boys embraced one another behind them.

“So much time,” Ray whispered loud of them for all of them to hear. Irene’s hold on her tightened, her hands shaking as Ray burrowed her face in the girl’s shoulder, chuckled,

“But Noah still can’t seeshitwithout his glasses.”

“Wow.”

And began laughing all over again.

5

He’d never seen her this happy. Thisrelievedand free.

The sight was beautiful enough to render him speechless.

And he would’ve said something about it. Truthfully wanted to pull her in an embrace and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe anymore, but Ray had been pointedly avoiding him ever since they’d got out of the room. Angel understood a part of his mind was having the same thoughtsshewas, but he couldn’t forget it.

He just couldn’t.

Maybe that’s why it annoyed him even more when she specifically took the seat furthest from him on the floor, squished between Myra and Neera, who were sitting on her sides. The only trump card he might have over them was the information he’d gained before the ceremony, but he might have to wait to reveal it. Because judging by the tentative look in all their eyes, they had far more secrets left to fill.

Starting with the young boy who was now sitting beside Sorin, his back iron rod straight as he eyed Ray suspiciously. He seemed Ira’s age and they might’ve been friends, but Angel might’ve ruined that plan of his. In his defense, the boyhadbeen staring at Ira for a while before catching Angel’s eyes.

What was he to do?

Notglare at him for long enough to make him uncomfortable?

Ira was blissfully unaware beside him, munching on the chips Ray had dug out for her from one of the kitchen cabinets.

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