Page 76 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Willow tenses slightly in my arms. "Just... be careful, okay? I can't lose you. Wren can't lose you."

I tilt her chin up, meeting her eyes. "You won't lose me, Little Flower. I promise. But I have to do this. For you, for Wren, and for all the other women he might hurt if we don't stop him."

She nods slowly, understanding in her eyes even as fear lingers there. "Okay," she whispers. "Just come back to us."

"Always," I vow, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

TWENTY-FOUR

WILLOW

After telling Ezra everything about that horrible night, I feel emotionally drained but also strangely lighter. It's as if a weight I've been carrying for years has finally been lifted.

Ezra holds me close, his strong arms wrapped protectively around me. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly safe.

"Thank you for trusting me with this," he says softly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I know it couldn't have been easy to relive those memories."

I nod against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent. "It wasn't," I admit. "But I'm glad I told you. You deserved to know the truth."

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. Finally, I voice the question that's been nagging at me.

"What happens now?" I ask, pulling back slightly to look at him.

Ezra's expression hardens, his eyes flashing with anger. "Now we make Lochlann pay for what he did to you."

A shiver runs down my spine. Part of me wants nothing more than to see Lochlann suffer for his crimes. But another part is terrified of the violence that will inevitably follow.

"Rogue," I say hesitantly. "I don't want you risking your life for revenge. Wren and I need you."

His face softens as he cups my cheek gently. "I know, Little Flower. But this isn't just about revenge. Lochlann is a threat to everyone we care about. We can't let him continue to hurt people."

I nod, knowing he's right. "Just promise me you'll be careful," I plead. "I can't lose you again."

"I promise," he says solemnly. "I'll always come back to you and Wren. Always."

As I lean in to kiss him, I'm struck by how much has changed between us in such a short time. The walls I've built up over the years are crumbling, and for the first time in a long time, I'm not fighting to keep them up.

Later that night, as I lay in bed with Rogue's arms around me, I think about the future. About Wren, about the family we could be. For the first time in years, I allow myself to hope.

But as I drift off to sleep, a small part of me can't help but worry. The Shadow Hawks are still out there, and Lochlann is more dangerous than ever. The tiny peace we have feels like it could shatter at any moment.

I just pray that whatever comes next, we'll be strong enough to face it together.

The next morning, I wake to find Ezra already gone. There's a note on the pillow next to me:

Gone to meet with the brothers. Didn't want to wake you. Stay safe. Love, E.

Part of me wishes he had woken me, but I’m glad he let me sleep. I'm still emotionally drained from our talk last night.

As I get dressed and prepare to face the day, I can't shake the feeling of unease that's settled over me. The Shadow Hawks are still out there, and now that Ezra knows the truth about what Lochlann did to me, I'm worried about what he might do.

I make my way to the common area, where I find Natalia already up and nursing a cup of tea. She looks up as I enter, her eyes searching my face.

"You okay?" she asks softly. "You look like you didn't get much sleep."

I sigh, sinking into the chair across from her. "Ezra and I talked last night. About... about what happened with Lochlann."

Natalia's eyes widen. "Oh, Will. How did he take it?"

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