Page 131 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
I rushed over to prevent her from seeing the worst of the carnage, then ushered her near Ember’s vehicle. “I need you to go with my friends, okay? They’ll take good care of you. You can trust them.”
“Baby, baby.” She faced me and gripped my shoulders. “Are you sick?”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, giving her hand a reassuring pat. “For my sake, forget everythingCuredhas ever told you about the Madness. It’s all lies. Join Soal—like me.”
“There’s no time for this,” Ember called, striding over to herd my mother to the vehicle.
Mom resisted for only a moment, floundering, her mouth opening and closing. In the end, she allowed the pair of Soalians to drive her away. My chest clenched. In the distance, I spotted military trucks barreling our way.
Cyrus pulled me into his arms once again.
“Does a part of you resent me?” I asked. It was a risk I’d been willing to take.
“You’re alive and well, kitten. I’m grateful.” He pressed his brow to mine. “Have you discovered what’s growing in your pot yet?”
“No!” I gripped the lapels of his jacket. “Tell me.”
He smiled a mysterious smile. “Give it time.”
“You fiend.” But I returned the smile and rested my head on his shoulder. We stood together as the “rescue” squad arrived. We wereexamined and questioned, then loaded into a van and driven back to Cyrus’s apartment.
I sat as close to him as possible and signed into his hand,Together.
Together,he signed back.
We would do everything in our power to destroyCuredat the root, and salt the earth. There was no going back for me now. I’d chosen my path, and I would see this through to the end.
No matter what.
