Page 81 of Perilous Healing

Silas takes a deep breath and finally nods. “First, Bianca and I go in—but we’re walking right through the gates.”

Michael studies him. “And I’m forced to ask again, how do you plan on explaining your escape?”

“We’ll distract River and the others while you get in and warn people,” Silas replies. “With the attention on us, you stand a better chance at getting everyone out.”

“Laring, Idra, and Abana?” I ask him.

“They stay here with Caleb. We may need medical help by the time this is over.”

“You really think walking through the front gates is going to work?” Brady asks.

“I do,” Silas replies. “Because with eyes on us, they won’t be looking for you.”

Brady claps his hands together. “Well, then, let’s narrow down on some logistics and get this party started.”

Chapter25

Silas

“You look rough,” Bianca says quietly as we make our way back toward the camp on foot. We’d had to change back into our dirty clothes, but at least they’re mostly dry now.

“Yeah, I think Michael enjoyed taking some swings at me.” I reach up and gently touch my sensitive cheekbone. I’d wanted him to make it look like we were attacked, so when I insist on talking only to River, it’ll make it look that much more pertinent.

And the former boxer turned Army Ranger definitely delivered.

“Does it hurt?”

“Not the worst I’ve experienced,” I reply. The truth is, the fear in my gut is a whole lot worse than the pain in my face. I’m terrified that this plan is going to fail. That in the failure, I’ll lose everything that matters.

Bianca.

My cousins.

Michael.

Elijah.

My life—and therefore the chance to see Eloise grow up.

So many things at stake, and all because, once again, I can’t allow myself to be freed while another is in chains. I think of that day I escaped the jungle. Of the calling I felt to save Bianca.

I feel the same thing now, only instead of one woman, it’s an entire village of people far more deserving of freedom than I am.

“Listen.” I stop walking. “If this goes sideways, I need you to promise me you’ll save as many as you can—including yourself.”

She tilts her face up to look at me, and the sun catches some bright strands in her otherwise dark hair. “Silas, it’s all going to be fine.”

“Please?”

She reaches up and cups my face, her hands running over a short beard courtesy of being unable to shave for three weeks. “We’ve been through a lot together, wouldn’t you say?”

“That’s an understatement.”

“First, Lucian’s compound, then tracking Michael, the hurricane, this?—”

“What’s your point?”

“My point is that we’ve survived it all.”

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