Page 190 of Where Broken Wings Fly

Albie’s mouth drops open. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Leave it out. We all saw you holding hands.”

He offers me a sheepish smile. “I’m in so much trouble. Who else knows?”

“I think the whole town figured it out months ago,” Micah helpfully supplies. “So, enough with the cloak and dagger act. I’m happy for you both.”

“Thanks, Mi. I’ll just… erm, I need to go speak to Lola.”

Albie races up the porch and lets himself into Lola’s cabin to escape the conversation. We fall into fits of laughter. She’s going to freak out when she realises that we all know about them. I have no idea what she’s worried about.

“He’s screwed.” I scoff.

“Lola deserves to be happy again.”

“You know what… I think you’re right. She really does.”

Before we can begin to wind down the cobbled path heading home, Lola’s front door slams open again, violently crashing against the exterior. A wild-eyed Killian stomps out.

“Willow!” he yells.

Terror washes over me as he races across the clearing with long, frantic strides. I’m quickly gathered into his arms, and the force of his grip creaks my bones. Smashed into his chest, I wince at the thought of bruises forming.

“Kill… can’t… breathe.”

His eyes search me from head to toe. “Inside. Right now.”

“Did something happen?”

He scans our surroundings with worry. “We need to talk. Not here though.”

Half-carried into Lola’s cabin, Killian doesn’t let go of me until the door is firmly shut behind us. Micah abandons the heavy backpack at the bottom of the stairs, following us into the kitchen where the hum of worried voices welcomes us home.

Packed around the dining table is Lola, Zach, Ryder and Doc. Albie has propped himself up in the corner, grinding his teeth so hard, his jaw looks like it’s threatening to break. All of their expressions are stony.

“What’s going on?” I ask nervously.

Everyone looks us up and down with palpable relief. I’ve barely placed my feet on the floor before Zach tackles me into a tight, suffocating embrace, gripping my cheeks hard as his forehead clashes with mine.

“You’re back. Fuck, Willow.”

“I told you that I would look after her.” Micah looks around at their matching looks of horror. “Why is everyone going crazy? We’re back right on time.”

“It’s not that,” Lola says tightly.

There’s real, tangible fear swimming in her eyes for what I think is the very first time. I’ve never seen her look afraid like this. She’s always been the strong, unshakeable one, holding the whole town together.

I scan around the room. “Where’s Arianna? Was she hurt or something?”

“She’s with Rachel and Miranda in the barn with the other kids.” Doc tries to reassure me. “Why don’t you take a seat?”

Shaking my head, I walk into Killian’s arms. I have a feeling I’m going to need him to ground me in the present for whatever comes next. This cannot be good.

Clearing her throat, Lola spares me an apprehensive glance. “Someone contacted us last night with an offer to purchase Briar Valley. A cash buyer.”

“You’re selling the town?” I frown. “Why didn’t I know about this before?”

“I’m not selling the town,” Lola quickly corrects me. “This offer was out of the blue and entirely unwelcome.”

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