Page 118 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

No one was alone or left out.

In the current equation, though… Santiago and I are alone, since we are separated, and God knows what hell he lives through now, if he’s even alive.

Broken, separated pieces can’t hold the unity, just the illusion of it.

“Let’s go,” Florian murmurs, motioning with his chin toward the fire as Rebecca takes out a white dove, murmuring something to it as she rubs her cheek over it, ready to set it free.

We all grab our own doves, surrounding Santiago’s parents, giving them our silent support while the girls plaster themselves against the guys.

Florian gets down to let Jimena pet the dove, and she gasps in wonder when the bird shakes its head.

Uncle Lucian wraps his arms around Aunt Rebecca’s waist, and a heavy breath escapes her. “Happy Birthday, my baby boy.” She kisses the dove. “Wherever you are, please survive and come home. No matter what happened… just come home.” Her voice cracks, albeit filled with so much love and pain, while longing is evident in every breath she takes.

For a second, I study her and remember Roland’s confession, which I pushed away from me in order to focus on my friend.

Right in this moment, though, I can’t ignore the knowledge that shook the foundation of my life.

They stole you from her.

Is there a woman on this earth somewhere who mourns her child as much as the Cortez family does their son, sending doves up in the sky with her heart aching and begging for him to come back?

Is there a mother who wishes for her son to walk inside her house and tell her he is alive?

Is there a woman… who actually loves me?

Unfamiliar emotions surround me, creating chaos in my head and urging me to run back home and demand answers all over again from Roland, because something in me doesn’t want to hurt that woman.

But the other part, abused and bruised through years of negligence, prays all he said is a lie.

Because just the idea of it is so devastating I’m not sure my psyche could handle the amount of pain it would cost me.

“Come back home, Santiago,” Rebecca whispers and then lifts her hands up, letting the dove go, and we all follow suit, watching the birds circle above us before darting in the opposite direction, disappearing in the sunset.

“Come back, hermano.” Jimena sighs, leaning on Florian as a tear slides down her cheek, and he wipes it away, hugging her tighter.

Indeed, come back, brother.

Maybe then the truth will be easier for me to face with my best friend by my side.

A month later, the heir to the throne came back, beaten and abused beyond repair.

He’d changed, and we changed right along with him.

For his return was the beginning of our fall into darkness and vices eating at our souls, destroying any goodness in us.

Penelope

The golden iron gates slide open, the annoying sound reverberating through the space as the guards wearing black nod at us and salute Remi.

A narrow, asphalt road opens up, and the driver roars the car to life once again, flying inside while the breeze from the open windows tickles and brings relief to my heated skin.

Splaying my palms open, I place them on either side of me, too afraid to stain with my sweat the silky blue gown cascading down my form and hugging my body, showing every dip and curve with my back open. Silver shoes with four-inch heels finish the composition, giving me a rather sophisticated and elegant look despite my discomfort.

When Kelly brought it in, my eyes almost bulged out of my sockets, considering I never wore something so daring before. My husband loved it though, and apparently that was enough reason for everyone to put me in it.

Remi covers my hand with his, and his husky voice speaks up, soothing me to my complete dismay. “Don’t be nervous, chérie.” He squeezes me, pressing on my ring that announces to the whole world I’m his, and it glistens in the light, bringing attention to its beauty. “No one would dare hurt you.”

“These people will judge me.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. Showing him my weakness after I slept with him twice sucks.

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