Page 122 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

"Cut her out!" I yell. "Cut her out of me now!" I scream.

Hearing a jumble of confused thoughts from my girl, I grab the scalpel, ready to tear her free myself.

"She needs out," I gasp. "She needs out now-"

Grabbing my wrist, Valerie stops me.

"We don't have anything to dull the pain, Forest-"

"I am dead either way!" I yell. "But she isn't, so fucking move!"

Throwing on a mask of bravery, Valerie begins sterilizing the equipment, taking the scalpel from my hand. Leaning my head back, Fallan and I lock eyes.

"H-Hey," I whisper.

Rubbing my temples in small circular motions, he looks pained.

"I'm so sorry, Forest," he whispers. "None of this was part of the plan-"

"Tell me something happy," I whisper, ignoring the background noise of the others yelling at one another. "Tell me something that I can hold onto."

Tensing his jaw, he forces on a smile for me.

"Can you imagine Xavier teaching her how to do her hair?" Fallan laughs. "Those big hands, he is going to make her stand out one way or another with his hairstyles."

Giving him a mix between a laugh and a sob, I grab Valerie's free hand.

"Good thing her aunt will be there to help, and her uncle. Kai was always better at those kinds of things."

Wishing my brother could be here now, I try and steer the conversation in a new direction.

"Will you stay in New Haven after I am gone?"

Shaking his head, Fallan looks pained.

"I don't want to think about that now," he whispers. "Plus, who will look after Xavier?"

Letting out yet another sob, the slicing pain of the blade cutting into my lower stomach is agonizing. Screaming at the top of my lungs, Rowan forces me to stay still with her Hold. Closing my eyes, I try and keep it together.

"I suppose Xavier will need someone other than our girl," I cry. "Think y-you can handle him?"

Laughing, tears roll down Fallan's cheeks.

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" he smiles.

"No," I gasp. "Not really..."

Letting out another scream, Fallan holds my head, giving me some sense of comfort.

"She's close, Forest," Valerie snaps. "Rowan, get over here, I need some help."

"I-I don't-"

"Do it!" Valerie snaps, not giving Rowan an option.

Sensing her presence come closer, the women work quietly, tugging and prodding in every way possible.

"F-Fallan?" I gasp. "Do you hate me?"

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