Page 100 of Echoes of War

I huffed, scooting forward, my feet dangling over the edge of the hillside. It brought some reassurance, but not much. “At least keeping her alive was worth something.”

“Sure,” Alexiares grumbled.

He wanted her dead, and I had every intention of letting that become a fact one day, just not today. She had made good on our deal, and there was no telling if we’d need her again before this war was over. But after that, once peace found our lands again, I’d let him do as he pleased, if I didn’t kill her first.

I had no mercy for the people who hurt the ones I loved. To bring the people I cared for pain was to sign off on their own death.

Now was the time for my enemies to say a prayer, for them to beg for help from whatever higher power they believed in. There was no kindness left in my soul for those who crossed me. I would not hesitate to make them wish there was.

Sloan

Someone was watching us. As soon as Amaia and the Bloodhound left, we had about twelve hours of peace before they attacked. Bright and early, the moment the sun crested over the brownstone, bullets were flying. Every day I was woken up to a headache of responsibilities, but securing our front gate was not something I conceived a possibility so soon.

We were able to hold off the first few attacks. Once the shelter was finished, I ordered all the kids, pregnant women, and old people who couldn’t fight inside. As far as I was concerned, that would be their permanent home for the next few months. I’m sure it sucked not being able to get fresh air or see the sun rise, but crisp air on your cheeks wasn’t worth risking your safety over.

Most of the elderly had wanted to stay and defend their homes and I’d allowed it as long as they weren’t a liability.Amaia had been right about that. People wanted a chance to protect what was theirs and I had to respect ‘em for it. We were under attack every other day for the last two weeks. I’m sure they’d grown to regret it.

The shelter had been sealed and it would stay that way until the signal was given to open it up. Everyone understood there was a zero chance of that happening anytime soon. Only a handful of people were given the code of entry, each differing from the other. If I fell first, then the next person in line would be responsible for getting it open and down the line it went.

Saying goodbye to Violet and my momma had been difficult. Nothing got past my momma. She knew what was up, had glared at me as the door closed in her face and I’d ordered it sealed.

“Mommy,” Violet had said, clutching the stuffed unicorn she’d had since she was a baby. “I’m scared. It’s too dark.”

I’d pulled her into a tight hug, stroking the static down on her straight red hair. “Mommy’s going to make sure you’ll never be scared again. Okay, baby?”

“You pinky promise?” she’d asked.

I chuckled, rolling my eyes at how deep that Moore blood really ran. Pinky promise had been Reina’s tool of manipulation growing up, making sure no one dared get one over on her. Violet reminded me so much of my cousin. They had a way of seeing the world with such optimism. I hoped that never faded.

“Pinky promise,” I swore, looping my finger through hers.

Kissing my end of our connection, Violet mimicked me, giggling at the gesture. We may share the color of our hair, but she was her father’s daughter without doubt.

“Okay!” she said, before darting off down the hallway.

My shoulders slumped, hand remaining in the now empty space where her little body had been as I watched her go. “I love you,” I mumbled, knowing she couldn’t hear me but glad I’d be able to say them, anyway.

“You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep,” my momma cautioned. “Children remember those things.”

I kept my eyes down the dark hall, not strong enough to meet her harsh stare. “I have every intention of keeping that promise.”

“She’s not going to see it that way,” she murmured, raising my chin to meet her scrutiny. “Promise me you’ll come back to me.”

“Momma ...”

She sighed, “I figured as much, then promise me something else, something youcankeep.”

“Anything,” I said, my arms wrapping around my waist. Although I had all this power, all this responsibility, I still felt like a little girl.

I was doing my best to hold on to the promises I’d made to both Morgan and Amaia, but, hell, it was growing harder by the day. Truth be told, I wanted to lock myself down here with my momma and Violet. I was scared too.

“You put up the fight of your life, and you don’t back down.”

I nodded. That was a promise I’d made myself as well. “Always.”

“Please come back to us. I love you,” she said, her stare unwavering.

Biting down on my lip, I pulled her into an air depriving hug. “Love ya more, Momma. When it’s safe, go to Monterey. Amaia has a home there for you both. Violet can have a life there.Youcan have the life there that you deserve.”

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