Page 229 of Gift from the Source
“Their bodies were found around those of Vicki, Hunt, and Isaiah Gale,” Roye says quietly.
Standing back up, wiping her nose and then her knees, violet eyes meet his for just a moment. “I hope they got exactly what they deserved.”
The rest of the Everglows fell as well. Oakly wasn’t pleased with Kellie Everglow’s ‘easy’ death, but she was happy she was gone.
We make our way around the whole battlefield of our fallen, but my steps grow slower as we make our way to a body that Tanith’s protectively lying beside.
The sight is so rough, I choke on the air I inhale.
There’re still traces of cuts, holes, and slashes all over her golden body and the massive white bandage around her wing looks wrong. It eats me alive that she got so badly injured in a battle not even meant for her.
“Do not feel sorry for me, young lord of light. Where my family goes, so do I. This one paid with the ultimate sacrifice for my bond. I will stay with him until he’s laid to rest.”
“Thank you, Tanith.”
I halt in my track as my eyes fall on Vince just a few feet away. I can barely bring myself to get closer to him. It isn’t until Willow’s fingers lace through mine that a shuddering breath falls from my chest, and I take an unsteady step.
When Keeper joins the five of us where we kneel around him, he begins speaking in his language over his body. I have no clue what he’s saying, but the more he talks the harder Draken and Willow cry.
It’s my undoing.
I let the silent tears fall as I mourn him.
I mourn the friendship we had and what all he did for my little brother.
I’ll never forget that, and he’ll never be forgotten.
We begin talking about remembrance celebrations as our whole group starts walking back in the direction of the palace. Of course, each family will have their own say so, but we’ll be here to do and provide anything they may need.
From there, it all merges into everyone spouting off plans and what must get done.
That conversation sparks a to-do list in my mind that I can’t get to stop.
“The faster we do it, the faster we go on vacation,”Tillman murmurs.
“How do you—you’re so damn annoying. Did you tell her already?”
“No. I’ll let you have that surprise, brother.”
“Oh, daughter-in-love, speaking of plans, what’s your plan for that little vermin you caught?” Dyce asks.
She cocks her head to the side and we all stare at her for an answer.
“It’s always the two of you. You know, kidnapping someone then forgetting about it once, understandable. Twice seems more like a weird habit you have,” Trex says and her eyes narrow, then widen in shock.
“Oh shit.” Her uncontrollable laugh startles everyone. Oakly’s the first to crack as she joins her just because of how magical the sound is. “Fuck, I really needed that. Thanks for reminding me of that, Trex. I really didn’t mean to forget about you. That day was crazy. This one was even worse.”
“So…are you going to explain, Primary, or do Tillman and Jamie need to check your head?” Cas asks.
“Very funny. No, I forgot that I beat Donald’s ass, then had Dyce take him to your dungeon for me.”
We stare at her.
“What?” she asks.
“Firstly, it’s the palace prison,” I say as a smirk crosses my lips. “Secondly, that’s my girl.”
Her face flushes a beautiful red that has us all crowding in closer to her.
