Page 124 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

"They are coming," Mason yells. "Is she out?"

Trailing off, he and Rowan exchange a long look.

"She's out," Rowan whispers. "Now, let's help her breathe."

Waving her hand over her small mouth, I marvel at the sight of her eyes glowing while she's hyper focused on her actions.

"W-What are you doing?" I whisper.

"Getting the liquid out of her lungs."

Watching the liquid find its way outside of her mouth, her stifled gasps suddenly become a vicious cry.

Never has anything in my life sounded as beautiful as the scream leaving her small throat.

"She's underweight and will need nourishment," Valerie smiles. "But she's perfect, Forest."

Bringing my girl back over to me, I run my fingers over her delicate face, memorizing each and every detail.

"Look at you," I whisper. "You're p-perfect."

Doing my best to stay alert, the one person I'd want to be here to see this is nowhere in sight.

Wanting to cry and smile all at once, the real reason I had to rip her out begins to settle.

Get her out. Keep her and everyone else safe.

Looking at Rowan, I motion her over.

"Take her," I whisper. "Take her and keep her far away from all of this," I hiss.

Hesitantly grabbing the bundle, Rowan finally shows her fear.

Shakily holding my girl, Valerie rubs Rowan's shoulder.

"Forest, we can find another way-" Valerie begins to cry.

"No," I snap. "We can't."

Forcing myself up and off the kitchen counter, Mason and Fallan give me all the support I need.

"Where is the clean cloak?" I hiss.

Grabbing it swiftly, Fallan hands it over.

Tugging off the bloodied clothes in front of everyone, Valerie's half-assed job at stitching me up makes everything that much more difficult. Turning away, everyone but Rowan avoids looking at my mangled body. Holding my girl close, she keeps on a cold front.

I would hate to know what kind of past she would have to have to be this closed off.

Maybe that's why I trust her to do what needs to be done.

Settled into the clean clothes, I grab Fallan a bit harder.

"The blade?" I hiss.

Revealing the handcrafted blade made from the metals of the water, he hides the weapon back under his cloak.

"Forest," he whispers. "I don't know if I can-"

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