Page 60 of Shadow

“Adam made us,” Cady choked out, tears in her eyes. “It’s true. He wasn’t lying. It’s killing me inside.”

Sirena remained motionless as she stared at Cady.

I shifted and took in the guys, who were all sitting forward except for Ashes, who still stood near Sirena.

“I would never sleep with one of your guys. He said if we didn’t, he’d kill you. I didn’t want to lose you, Rina. You’re my best friend,” Cady continued, her voice wobbling as tears streaked down her cheeks. “If we did it, you’d live, and maybe we’d have the time to get Church and the guys to help with everything before things got too bad. I-I don’t know. We were scared. He drugged us. I-I couldn’t even think straight. We didn’t want to do it. God, please. I didn’t want to. I swear to you, I didn’t. I-I would never…” Her voice wobbled again before she choked out a soft sob and wrapped her arms around herself.

I watched as Sirena balled her hands into tight fists before shaking it out and doing it again. She was clearly upset. Her face reddened. She looked like she wanted to scream, but no words would come out.

“Angel, baby.” Stitches got to his feet and went to her. “Hey.” He forced her focus away from Cady. “Let’s go to my room?—”

“I believe you,” Sirena said, her voice a soft rasp. “I know the circumstances. I was there. So why the goddamn tears?”

Cady stared at her wide-eyed. Even I shot a lot at Asylum to see a dark smile on his lips. He knew something and wasn’t saying a damn word.

“I-b-because… I don’t want you to be mad. To hate me… to hate him for making me?—”

Sirena crossed the room so fast she was nearly a blur. She stopped abruptly in front of Cady and stared her down.

“Did Sin make you?” Sirena demanded softly.

Cady’s gaze darted around the room. I winced at what I knew was coming.

She nodded once and looked at her feet.

“He was drugged, heaven. He wasn’t in his right mind. All he wanted was to save you,” Ashes spoke up. “You know Sin. He’d never do that out of cruelty.”

Sirena ignored Ashes and reached out for Cady, tilting her chin up. Cady stared back at her with tear-filled eyes.

“Did you not want to save me?” Sirena asked, her voice filled with a profound sadness.

“Of course! I will always save you. I love you. You’re my sister. My best friend?—”

“Then did he force you if you wanted to save me?” Sirena cocked her head at her.

“I told him no, but I-I wanted to save you, so I-I did it. I’m sorry, Rina. I want to make this right?—”

“You were not forced by Sin,” Sirena said. “You were forced by Adam. I’m not mad. I’m sad.”

“Why?” Cady’s voice shook.

“Because there’s been so much damage caused by the wicked in this world. I don’t like seeing my family hurt. I love you, Cadence. I won’t forgive you because there’s nothing to forgive. We all do things we don’t want to do to survive. I would not burden you with my anger; it’s not you whom I’m angry with. So please stop worrying and hiding.”

“Rina,” Cady sobbed, reaching for her. Sirena drew her into her arms and hugged her tightly. “I’ll talk to Sin. I will. I promise I’ll make this right. I should have left Adam. This is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I’ll do better. I swear I will.”

Sirena said nothing as she held a crying Cady. I breathed a soft sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was for Sirena to be hurt because of the chaos caused by these twisted sickos. I didn’t think for a moment she’d be mad about any of this. Hurt, yes, because what the fuck, but mad? Never.

My cupcake was far too sweet to resent those she loved for acting on what they believed was right. I knew without a doubt she would have done it for Cady if the roles had been reversed.

Sirena released Cady and turned in our direction.

“Asylum?” she called out.

“Firefly,” he answered, his blue eyes sparkling knowingly.

“I would very much like a hatchet if you could get me one.”

“Your will be done.” Asylum inclined his head at her.

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