Page 90 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Hope I make it out of here.

Hope I live a life.

Hope he is in it.

"What do you think-"

Not knowing what I am doing, or if it is the right thing to do, I lean closer to the boy, planting a peck on his lips, both of us startled by the human interaction.

Quickly pulling away, both of our cheeks are flooded with red, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"I'm sorry-"

Leaning closer to me this time, he initiates the kiss, equally as confused on how the touch works.

Kissing me a little longer, we both let it linger, our foreheads touching, our smiles staying plastered on our faces well after the touch has ended.

"So, Forest," he grins. "A cabin?" he questions.

"A cabin," I clarify. "A cabin with you."

Maybe this is wrong.

Maybe it is selfish.

All I know is, for the first time in my life, I hope for something other than my own demise.

And its name is Xavier.

Chapter twenty-eight

Forest

Shaking uncontrollably before us, the lineup of Marked from the Precipice looks fearful, flinching each time Atticus runs his finger across their backs.

"These ones we picked up last night," he hisses. "Figured since your allies have grown, they'd love to get a taste of real power," he offers, glancing at Xavier and Fallan, both men decked out in attire up to Elyon's standards.

Having brought in the Marked via vehicle this morning, Elyon felt the need to bring more resources to New Haven, but he did not give anyone any clarification as to why he felt the need to reinforce our security.

Gagged and bound, the Marked look to us fearfully.

"Any more Revolutionists?" Elyon questions, keeping his eyes out the large window of his home.

"They have all fled as far as we know," Atticus gripes. "Though, one pesky ass Marked keeps ruining my day," he hisses, my Call already in his mind.

A young redhead.

The one who gave him the scar.

Rowan.

"I've seen her before," I pipe up, her ability to get into my mind still haunting me. "Rowan is her name-"

"Rowan?" Elyon questions, both Fallan and Elyon looking at one another.

"The girl from below the compound?" Fallan questions, Elyon's head slowly nodding.

"She is alive?" Elyon questions, the first look of panic touching his expression.

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