Page 112 of Gift from the Source
Grabbing the extra chair from a few feet away, I set it in front of him and stare into his eyes. His ease still makes me uncomfortable, and I’m so lost on what Willow just meant.
I’ve only ever seen a soldier act like this when they’ve accepted death completely. But if what Willow just said is true, we won’t be killing him.
“I’m going to lay my hand to your forehead. That’ll be easiest for me and less painful for you,” I tell him to see his reaction.
I don’t like what I see.
It’s almost like a sense of disappointment floods him that I’m sparing him this pain.
“Whatever works best for you, sir.”
Laying my hand to his head, his eyes close and I dive in.
Devastation.
That’s all I see and feel as I map my way through his life. One thing after another. This man has lived no sense of peace. He’s so much older than he looks and that has served him well in his journey for revenge.
Revenge I understand so much better now.
It’s gut-wrenching and I have to swallow back the bile collecting in my throat. What he, Pran, and Dillon have been through would have made most go crazy. I’m not sure how they’ve kept their composure well enough to have such well-thought-out plans.
In all honesty, though, this is a perfect example of there are no limits that we won’t go to for the people we love.
My breathing comes out in fast, short pants as I pull away from him. It’s only when my little warrior lays her hand to my back and fills my lungs with air that I can finally take a deep breath.
Maxima’s eyes are watering when I look up at him, but his face is calm. He’s accepted any ending. He’s ready to move on from this life.
“I’m so sorry for all that you’ve been through,” Isay quietly.
“Do not be. I did it all in the name of her. Elementra was an afterthought, but nonetheless, I will always serve her if she holds a place for me in the beyond.”
“Till—”
I cut Corentin off as I raise my hand while never taking my eyes off Maxima’s. “Ask one of the guards outside to escort Maxima to a larger cell and bring him some food. You’ll be safe here until we figure out our next steps. Since the rune is removed, as far as the Summum-Master knows, you’re dead.”
His tight pinched smile bothers me. He thought that even though I found out this truth, we’d still kill him for the things he’s done. Regardless of the good he’s done while being undercover.
I believe so many years in the Mastery have warped his mind to think the cruelest of everyone.
The room sits in an uncomfortable silence. Other than the sound of Codi unhooking Maxima from his chair, no one moves or speaks. As he leads him out the door, I lay my head in my hands and take deep breaths.
“What in the realm is going on, Tillman?” Corentin asks again as soon as the door shuts.
Standing and turning to everyone, I decide here isn’t the place to tell this story. Also, Aunt Rory and my uncles should also hear this.
“Let’s all go to the throne room so we can sit. There’s a lot to digest here,” I say solemnly and that seems to tell everyone how serious this is.
Willow laces her fingers through mine as her shadows crawl over everyone. They bring with them her touch all over my body and I suck up every drop.
Based on how she’s reacting and the emotions in her bond, she didn’t eavesdrop while I was in his mind. If she had, she’d be reacting so much differently. She probably would’ve given Maxima a hug.
As we appear in the throne room, Aunt Rory is laughing and teasing with my uncles like they always have our entire lives. They’re showing way too much PDA and a tinge of longing spears me in my chest.
I honestly hope they never stop acting like this.
Even if it is gross.
It reminds me of how in love my parents were.
