Page 119 of Hell Breaks Loose

“Dead as dirt,” Alaya snaps, clapping me on the back as she walks by.

Ugh. She still makes my blood boil sometimes. But she’s growing on me.

“Nice dress, by the way.” She snorts, heading inside.

Never mind. Back to hating her stupid face.

“She’s not wrong. You looked amazing.”

“Aside from, you know, the pretend mind control and the forced marriage scenario,” Tell finishes, rubbing the back of his neck.

“There were a few things about the affair that I would change if I could redo it,” I muse, putting on a matter-of-fact tone.

“Such as?” Ora hooks my arm, drawing me away from the guys for a moment, into the main building.

“First of all, the red, black, and white? So reality TV.”

“Marco had dick for imagination.”

“Huge surprise. Coming from a huge dick.”

“I’ll give him credit for throwing such a huge shindig together last-minute, though.” Staying glib about it helps keep me from breaking down in a sobbing mess of aftershock.

“I’m just pissed I didn’t get any crab cakes. I fucking love crab cakes!”

“My condolences. I saw that thug shoot the plate out of your hand.”

“He’s no longer among the people who have balls in this world anymore. Look, there’s even an imprint of his tacklebox on the top of my boot!” She points down, raising one foot.

“Remind me to never interrupt your dinner again.”

“Remind me to never get married to my mafia-ex-stepfather.”

“I don’t recommend it.”

“I don’t recommend playing ‘major-life-events-bingo’ against Hellena.” Tell snickers, close on our heels.

“Who has ‘all-out battle with psychotic drug-addicted zealots’?”

“I do!” All of us shout at the same time.

“Who’s got booze and a celebration to welcome our friend and fearless leader home?” Ora hip bumps me.

“Yes! I think it’s time for a party.”

“As long as I can change out of this fucking dress first.”

“I’ve got a better idea.” Ora winks.

Thanks to an amazing amount of planning and community, the camp at night is fully lit. Running water. I can’t believe what they accomplished up here.

And how much of the city is safety tucked away, out of sight and harm’s way here in the mountains.

“Thank Grandpa,” Ora scoffs, kicking back another shot of whiskey.

Music thumps along in the background, drawing out more and more people to the town center, the huge, open, covered court where they laid out a feast for everyone who returned today.

All because of me.

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