Page 114 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

And he definitely made hersomething elseas well…

Only because Ardow’s sorrow-filled voice sliced through the heavy air could she tear her eyes away.

But her legs still nearly gave away when she turned around to approach Ardow where he lingered by one of the masts, especially when a dark chuckle left Merrick.

Turning her head over her shoulder, she threw him a glare.

Merrick only grinned back—the smile so wide her own mouth snapped into a mirroring one before she could stop herself.

What was happening?

Lessia’s face burned when she realized Kerym and Raine still snickered, and when Ardow’s brows rested almost by his hairline, she dragged him with her to the other side of the ship.

“I know,” she said when they were out of earshot. “I know. Frelina just got kidnapped, the world is ending, and I’m flirting with the Death Whisperer. I’ve lost my mind.”

“Actually.” Ardow rested an arm on the railing. “I think your mind has never been more clear.”

Lessia narrowed her eyes.

Lifting a hand, Ardow used his thumb to smooth out the wrinkle between her brows. “Look at you. Your sisterwasjust kidnapped, but instead of dropping everything and hurtling after her, you’re thinking like a leader.” Ardow shook his head. “I’m so sorry I didn’t see it before. You were right. The rebels are approaching this the wrong way. But you’re not, Lia. You are a real leader. Someone who truly cares about this botched world—even cares about the people that treated you like trash.”

“I don’t know…” she started, but Ardow shook his head again.

“I do. You were born for this, Lessia. Your compassion and loyalty will make you a great ruler should that be the path you’d like to start down. And even if not, I believe people will still follow you in this war.”

Lessia swallowed the lump in her throat.

She had no desire to lead.

It was true that she wanted a better world—that she’d fight for it.

But she did not want to be the one to lead it.

Especially if it forced her to make decisions like that of today—where she couldn’t forget everything she had planned and follow her sister.

“We’re almost there.” Ardow gestured toward the tall cliffs skirting the eastern part of Asker, glimpsed through the fog in the distance. “Raine was able to drive the mind seer from my mind, so Venko and I will go to the cave, but…” Ardow hesitated, his eyes wandering from the island to her and back again.

“Tell me, Ard.” Lessia eyed him, noting the conflicting emotions fighting across his features.

“I don’t think we should flee with them.” Ardow sighed as he turned to face her fully. “It’s not what they’ll want. I propose we allow the children to help us in this war.”

“I don’t know…” Lessia rubbed her face.

Some of them were only twelve, thirteen…

They couldn’t ask this of them.

Not after what they’d seen already in their young lives.

“Lessia, you rescued them for a better life. What if we tell them they’re going into hiding again while we fight for others to have the same? We do not force them; some are too young, but we should give them a chance if they want it. Also… some of them have abilities that could be very useful.”

Throwing her head back, she stared at the darkening sky.

She’d have wanted the choice if it had been her in their place.

Her mind traveled to that night with Ledger—how he’d cried and asked her why they’d killed his friend.

How he’d taken his name in honor of the sacrifice.

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