Page 36 of Firefly

As they approached, a boat raced to meet them. The group waited to be boarded, sagging against one another.

As the first man stepped aboard, rifle over one shoulder, his red armband came into view. Everyone on deck froze.

Chapter 27

Rebecca

Sarah’s birthday was in less than three weeks. Rebecca had mustered the energy to go downstairs and sit with Sarah in the garden. She’d sent Thea to order a cake and find a nice new dress, and gradually, her heart was mending from Simon’s loss.

She was weak, but slowly, she was finding the will to live again. With it, came a renewed determination to take Sarah away from this place and keep her safe. Thea had said she would go with them, but Rebecca hadn’t told her yet that she didn’t have the money to pay her.

Rebecca could buy anything she wanted on her father’s credit, but when she left, she would be cut off. It was a problem she hadn’t found a solution to yet.

Sarah danced around her in a circle, creating ladybugs and dragonflies, small birds and butterflies.

“That’s very good, Sarah,” came a voice several yards away.

A chill ran down Rebecca’s spine; she didn’t need to look up to know who had spoken.

“Come here, baby.” She motioned for Sarah to stand behind her.

Alexander stalked toward them, and Rebecca opened her hand, forming a ball of fire. He stopped, eyeing her magic as it crackled just above her palm.

“I see you’re not too weak to perform your little tricks,” he sneered.

She let the ball of flame grow, feeling the warmth of her flame lick along her fingers. “You won’t touch her.”

Alexander peered around Rebecca. “Come to your grandfather, child.”

Sarah poked her head out before ducking behind Rebecca’s skirts.

“Leave Sarah alone.”

“I haven’t had new essence in weeks. I need energy, daughter.”

Rebecca straightened. “I won’t let you use her.”

He crossed his arms, giving her an appraising stare, and Rebecca squeezed Sarah’s arm, silently warning her to stay behind her.

“I had assumed your magic was used up,” Alexander said more to himself than to her. “I never would have agreed to that bargain with Simon if I’d known.”

His name, coming from Alexander’s lips, twisted her heart painfully, but she lifted her chin.

“Enough foolishness. Give me the child.” He lunged for Sarah, but Rebecca flung her flame at him.

The ball of blue sailed harmlessly to the ground, and some of her steely resolve faltered. Once, her flames were magnificent. Once, she would have torched him where he stood.

Now, the drizzle of magic she wielded was pathetic.

Alexander laughed but didn’t reach for Sarah again. “Very well. If you prefer, I will take what I need from you.”

Rebecca swallowed, glancing behind her at her dark-haired girl, whose eyes had gone round with terror. “Be my strong, brave girl, okay sweetheart? I want you to go to my room and lock the door. Don’t open it for anyone but me. Can you do that, sweet girl?”

Tears formed at the edge of Sarah’s lashes, but she nodded, her lip trembling.

Rebecca wrapped her arms around her, squeezing tightly. “You are my sweet, beautiful angel, and I will come straight up after I help your grandfather.” She squeezed her tighter, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Go.”

She released her, and Sarah ran for the house, not looking back.

---