Page 204 of Where Broken Wings Fly

“She wouldn’t tell me where they were heading. It isn’t safe. I’m so sorry, Killian.”

I lose all sensation in my body. It drains out of me like a popped balloon. All of last night, we were plotting our future and celebrating what should have been the best day of our lives. Asking Willow for her hand in marriage.

“You’re lying. Why are you saying this? Where is she?”

“It’s true, Kill,” Albie mutters. “Ryder dropped them off in the city several hours ago.”

“Ryder? Where is he? I’ll fucking kill him!”

His face darkens. “You leave him out of this. He only wanted to help.”

“Help? This is suicide!” I yell at him.

Albie steps in front of Lola, as if to protect her from me. “Sanchez knew where she was. This is the only way to throw him off the scent. Willow knows that.”

“No! Bullshit!”

Crying freely, Lola pulls a folded piece of paper from her cardigan pocket. She offers it to me—a dagger for me to stab my own heart on. I make myself take it, despite the razor blades scraping down my throat.

“She told me to give that to you.”

I unfold the scrap of paper, tracing a finger over the swirls of ink, smudged by the occasional smeared teardrop. Looking up at the ceiling, I take a breath and make myself look back at the letter.

Killian, Zach and Micah.

Growing up, I didn’t understand what love meant. All I can ever remember feeling was alone. The miles I travelled to reach Briar Valley was the loneliest journey of my entire life.

I didn’t know if it was real.

Or if I’d ever make it.

You three weren’t part of the plan. All I wanted was to give Arianna the chance to live a life that she could be proud of. Hell, one that I could be proud of. It’s all I ever thought about. Being a good mum.

My heart wasn’t available, but that didn’t stop you from stealing it regardless.

Killian, with your gruff smiles and hidden sweetness. Zach’s compassion and dedication to his family. And Micah, with your brave soul, wrapped in so much pain. I love every broken piece of you.

You gave me a family.

You gave me a future.

You gave me a reason to live again.

Perhaps I’m selfish for asking this of you, but please, don’t hate me for making this choice. You can be angry. Be furious. But please, I beg of you… don’t hate me.

I have to protect my daughter.

She will always come first.

I’ll live in hope that one day, we will meet again. Until then, please keep my heart safe. I’m enclosing it in these pages for safe keeping. I don’t need it if you’re not here with me.

I love you all.

Know that.

Forever your girl,

Willow

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