Excerpt fromLifebloodby Gena Showalter
Killians words echo through my mind.Either we fight, or we lose.
Fight each other to win the war?
I thought I was prepared to give up everything for my realm of choice.
Credit: Debbie Bunch
I thought I could live with any consequences.
But the cost is far too high.
Killian, my ML, and Archer, my TL, the boy I loved like a brother.
But Archer died trying to save me.
Worse, he died for nothing!
And now Ive lost Killian, too.
Grief clings to me with unrelenting determination, wrapping strong arms around me.
It kisses my cheek and rests its head on my shoulder.
It whispers, Theres nothing you’re free to do.
Sorrow and helplessness join the pity party, and I despise both.
These emotions are not innocent; they are deadly.
I speak the promise burning a hole in my heart.
You matter to me, Killian.
A muscle jumps underneath his eye.
The roughness of his tone guts me.
I wont pretend otherwise just because a spotlight now shines onme.
My actions will make or break us.
You do, I say, lifting my chin, and Ill prove it.
He gives a hard shake of his head.
Dont be putting yourself in danger on my behalf, lass.
Id rather you hate me and live than love me and die.
Deacon appears at my side, stopping my reply.
He latches on to my wrist, and my spirit welcomes the connection, for Light always complements Light.
I warm rather than freezethe way I should have done with Killian.
The way Iusedto do.
What have I done?
In case you havent noticed, Deacon says, were in the middle of a combat zone.
As a newly risen, youre weak.
We need to get you to safety.
What he really means is that he needs to get me away from Killian.
Killian, who is now my sworn enemy.
Once these two boys worked together to save me from a madwoman.
Myriad will never trust Troika.
No, I say, shaking my head.
I wont abandon my friends when they need me most.
Go, Killian tells me through gritted teeth.
Youll only get hurt if you stay, and theres nothing Ill be able to do to help you.
Youre no longer mine to protect.
He turns to slip inside his Shell.
I split us up.
But Im determined to aid my new homemy realmand also the boy who risked his life for mine.
This is how I will prove my affection for him.
An apology without a change in behavior is worthless.
He doesnt glance in my direction.
Prove you mean it.
My determination to help him only strengthens.
I stand my ground and prepare to fight.
