Page 112 of Deck of Scarlets

“Remi…” Baron touched my shoulder.

“I need him here. I need him,” I cried.

Baron took my hands away from Josh and forced me to look at him. “We have to get up and move him. He’s lost too much blood.”

“How?”

“To the window. Asher has a stretcher attached to the ladder. We strap him in and slide him down,” explained Baron.

When I didn’t say anything, Baron forced me to look at him. “If we don’t move now, he could die.”

I nodded weakly as Baron and Kal lifted Josh in their arms, the sight of him broken nearly sending me back to my knees.

Baron instructed me to keep the window from shutting, and Asher from below hoisted the ladder right onto the windowsill. Another Saint I didn’t recognize dragged the thin stretcher up the ladder, helping Baron and Kal place Josh slowly down, strapping him securely in place.

I watched them both inch down, keeping two hands on the stretcher, making sure it didn’t tip.

Gazing down at my palms, I saw dirt and half-healed cuts, wounds to remember the battle we almost lost, but not a single trace of that golden light was left behind.

Chapter Forty-Five

Before transportation arrived for the rest of us, Emilia got herself together and dragged me over to an area that concealed our private conversation.

“That light coming from your hands, was that the first time?” she inquired.

After everything that had happened tonight, all she cared about was the light from my hands? Was she not sobbing hysterically for Cillian possibly being dead moments ago? I had no desire for this conversation. All I wanted was to get the hell out of here and go see Josh in the infirmary. But judging by her stern expression, she wasn’t going to let this go. “I’ve never done that before.”

“Never?” she echoed.

I sighed, frustrated. “No, never. I’m assuming the others are aware since I blasted the light in front of them.”

“Some are, but I already threatened them not to say anything.”

I backpedaled. “Uh, why?”

“We may work for the Lord, but we don’t trust everyone involved.”

“Then what’s the point? Why even bother fighting the same battle if you can’t even trust the ones who are supposed to have your back?”

Emilia shook her head. “It wasn’t always like that. Just recently, I’ve noticed a shift in the Order. Right now, try to lay low and don’t tell anyone.”

“Or what? They’re going to shun me for having power?”

“For too much power. They will use you as a weapon. They will push aside your feelings and who you are as a person just to exhaust your power, even if it kills you.”

The lights in the infirmary were harsh, causing uncomfortable specks in my vision as I tried to adjust. Recovering from a concussion wasn’t an easy feat.

Josh rested with tubes and needles that either penetrated his skin or were shoved up his nose, keeping him stable as he healed. I had no recollection of time. All that mattered from the moment I went to bed to the time I awoke the next day was monitoring Josh. A few times, I left to see Heather, explaining to deaf ears what happened, crying nearly to the point of making myself sick. Nurse Amelia had to escort me out, forcing me to drink water and eat saltine crackers. But I had no appetite when my guardian hadn’t opened his eyes in days, anxiety stealing my sleep and hunger.

I could use a shot of my dad’s whiskey right about now.

Sometimes, Baron and Chloe stopped by to keep me company, and even Collin visited, stating Father Benedict encouraged him to read me some of Juniper’s history while we sat, but I couldn’t process any of the words he spoke. Not when Josh slept, afraid I might miss a twinge or a jerk of a finger.

Cillian was transported to a special infirmary, his injuries much more complex. Emilia left shortly after and would remain wherever her guardian resided until he made a full recovery.

No word if he was awake yet.

Captain Harrison was updated on the events, stating he could’ve sworn our coordinates weren’t his doing and wanted a full investigation. Thatcher nearly killed him. Dean Poverly had to come between them before her right hook connected to his face. Chloe gave me all the details, claiming at one point, Thatcher had Captain Harrison by the collar, almost choking him out.

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