Page 51 of King's Reckoning
Reed's hand remained in hers as she worked, his presence a constant reminder of what they were fighting for—not just historical justice, but a future together built on truth rather than secrets.
"When this is over," he said quietly, for her ears alone, "we should talk about what comes next. For us."
The simple statement carried layers of meaning, of promise for a future beyond this immediate crisis. Rowan paused in her work, meeting his eyes.
"I'd like that," she said softly. "Very much."
His smile, rare and genuine, gave her renewed determination as she returned to implementing Elena's final protocols. Whatever Blackwood and his corporate masters threw at them, they would face it together.
Because the real strength wasn't in supernatural bloodlines or mystical connections.
It was in the bonds they'd chosen to form. In love that had grown through shared purpose and mutual respect.
And in carefully preserved historical truths that would finally see the light of day, exactly as Elena had always intended.
The hospital's emergency lighting cast everything in soft shadows as Rowan implemented the final stages of Elena's documentation protocols. On Barbara's screens, a comprehensive verification system took shape that would validate the historical evidence they'd recovered. The meticulous preparation her mother had put into preserving these records would finally serve its purpose.
"Security reports movement at the east entrance," Cole informed them through their secure channel. "Blackwood's brought in professional security contractors, not just corporate representatives."
"They know we're preparing to reveal everything," Barbara said, fingers flying across her keyboard. "That we understand the true significance of these historical records."
The sound of raised voices echoed from the corridor. Through the observation window, Rowan caught glimpses of Devils members intercepting men in business suits and securityuniforms—polite but firm as they restricted access to the hospital's private wing.
At least they hadn’t come in guns blazing this time.
"How much longer?" King asked. He'd positioned himself by the door, maintaining watch while they worked.
"About two minutes to complete the authentication chain," Barbara replied, her brows furrowed in concentration. "Then Rowan can implement the final distribution protocols."
"They'll do everything possible to stop that from happening," Reed's voice was strained but determined as he carefully shifted position in his hospital bed. "Not when they're this close to permanently burying evidence that could cost them billions."
As if to prove his point, the voices in the corridor grew more insistent. Rowan could hear multiple people approaching their position, corporate lawyers and security personnel demanding access.
"East wing secure," Cole reported over their communication channel. "Blackwood's legal team is claiming they have documentation proving the historical records are forgeries. They're threatening immediate legal action if we proceed with disclosure."
"Of course they are," Rowan said with a humorless smile. "That's all these artifacts everwere to them—inconvenient truths that needed to be discredited or destroyed."
"No." Reed's hand found hers, fingers intertwining with gentle strength despite his injuries. "They're so much more than that. They're your family's legacy. Your rightful heritage." His voice softened. "They're the truth your mother died protecting."
Rowan met his eyes, saw everything he wasn't saying written clearly in their depths. Even now, with Blackwood’s people closing in and years of careful preparation coming to fruition, her heart responded to the unwavering support in his gaze.
"Save the romantic looks for after we finish this," King admonished, but Rowan caught the slight smile playing at his lips. He'd seen it too—the connection between his daughter and his Road Captain that had grown into something neither of them had expected.
Voices grew louder in the corridor. Barbara's screens flickered as she fought to maintain their secure connection against what appeared to be attempted digital interference.
"One minute to complete authentication," she reported. "But Rowan needs to initiate the final delivery from the primary server. The verified documents have to be transmitted from a secure connection."
"Which means moving to a different location," King said with concern. "One they're probably already watching."
Rowan studied the hospital's layout on Barbara's screens, mind racing through options. The secure communications center was on the administrative floor—currently between them and Blackwood's approaching legal team.
"We need a diversion," she said finally. "Something that draws their attention while I reach the communications center."
"Already arranged," Cole replied with quiet confidence. "Called in some support. Representatives from multiple chapters are arriving—not just Devils, but Kings and Iron Fists too. Even some of your own brothers who remained loyal to King. They're presenting united front documentation to Blackwood's legal team, filing counterinjunctions that will keep them tied up in procedural matters."
"They're risking their legal standing to help us," Reed said quietly. "Even after learning the truth about these artifacts, about what they really represent."
"Because that's what family does," King replied. "Blood or chosen—we protect our own and what rightfully belongs to them."
