Page 103 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Setting her mouth in a straight line, confliction clouds her expression.

"It's not just Mason, Kai," Forest sighs. "If he cannot do what needs to be done, there will be another. You can't stow away the inevitable."

"And what do you think happens if Elyon dies? You think you end all of this and there will not be another. Forest, think clearly. You have no idea-"

"You have no idea!" she hisses in my mind.

Stumbling backward into the bed post, her eyes are hazed with a golden tinge.

"Do not question me, Kaiden Blackburn. You may be Marked, but that does not change how new you are to it all. The only way to save our kind and my child is to end Elyon Morgan. There is no other way-"

"What would dad do?" I cry. "What would dad and mom do-"

"I wouldn't know!" she screams. "I'm the reason every fucking person in my life is dead! Don't you see, Kai?" she sobs. "I don't get to live a life. I don't get to love Xavier," my heart breaks in every way possible. "My greatest gift in this life has been loving you and Xavier. You both have taught me what it means to live. You both breathed life into me when I had nothing else to give. Being your sister is a gift I will never be able to repay, but please, Kaiden. Please. Help me. Help me give her a chance," leaning her head on my chest, her tears stain my shirt. "I'm scared, Kaiden. I'm so fucking scared."

Wrapping my arms around her, I rest my chin on her head.

"I'll find a way to keep you safe, Forest," I whisper. "To keep you both safe."

Knowing damn well she is in my mind; she knows fighting me further on the topic is useless.

Holding her tight, the energy from her child is alarming.

"He can't sense that? Elyon?"

"No," Forest smiles. "She doesn't let him-"

"She doesn't let him what?" Xavier's voice questions.

Lingering in the doorway, he rolls up his sleeves. Lined with concern, his eyes narrow on the both of us with a solemnexpression. Pulling her head away from my chest, she wipes away her tears.

"Kai was just learning about his niece," Forest smiles. "Right, Kai?"

Putting me in the spotlight, she knows how desperately I want to scream to tell Xavier about her crazy plan. Ready to speak up, it's like my voice is stuck in my throat. Burying her Call in my mind, she has made it clear this conversation was only for me and her.

"Right," I force out.

Casually walking over to Forest, Xavier rubs his hand over the bump.

"How is she?" he smiles. "How are the both of you?"

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she begins to guide him out of my room.

"I will tell you all about it in our room. Kai needs sleep."

Letting her guide him, something urges me to nudge Xavier as he moves by me.

Turning his head to look at me, we briefly exchange a look, one that is far from comforting. Tensing my jaw, I shake my head as I cover my mouth. Glancing at Forest, I hope he picks up on what I am trying to say.

She told me something she doesn't want him hearing.

Please, just-

"Kaiden," Forest whispers. "Quiet."

Shutting the door on me, I wait a few seconds before trying the lock.

Scrambling into the hallway, both Forest and Xavier are gone, most likely having Winnowed the second she got them outside.

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