Page 127 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Following Elyon after he had left the fight, we followed the lead that she might be at the cabin.

The question is why?

Why wouldn't she tell me her plan to slip away?

Something is going on, something that has given me chills since Elyon mentioned our child.

Now that he knows, I need to keep Forest far away from all of this.

She thought she was keeping Elyon away, when in reality, he was always lurking, staying one step ahead.

We have to find a way out of this.

Winnowing into our bedroom, a piercing cry floods my ears.

The cry of new life.

Barely able to retain what is happening, I collide my shoulder with our bedroom door, greeted with eyes of our friends, all bloodied and worn.

Glancing at the kitchen counter, a massive pool of blood has settled on its surface. Picking up on the scent of Forest's blood from a mile away, the surgical tools next to the counter throw me into hyperdrive. Locking eyes with Mason, it would seem he knew more than he was willing to let on.

"Where the fuck is she?" I snap, looking over the group. "Where is Forest and-"

The cry tears through the air again.

A cry I could never forget.

Shakily holding a bundle of cloth, Rowan watches me with lowered eyes.

Staying silent, Valerie, Mason, and Bekah all look guilty.

"I-Is that," I gasp. "I-Is that my daughter?" I sob.

Holding my child with a death grip, Rowan takes a step back as I take one forward.

"Rowan," Mason snaps. "Let him see her."

"No way in hell-"

"Rowan," Valerie snaps. "Let him."

Warily walking toward me, I reach my hands out toward the small bundle.

Hesitantly handing her off to me, the minute I see her face, it is like the stars have aligned for the first time ever.

Beautiful and peaceful, her eyes are closed, her body small and frail. Gifted with a strong heart, I fall to my knees once I get a good look at her.

"Look at you," I whisper. "God, you're perfect."

Feeling the tears try and escape my eyes, I look around for Forest.

"Where is her mom?" I whisper. "Where is Forest?"

As if her name is the last one that should be spoken, the whole room looks guilty.

"Mason?" I hiss. "Where is Forest?"

"Xavier," Mason whispers. "It was one or the other."

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