Page 127 of Between Earth and Eternity
“Have you told anyone else about your suspicion?” I ask.
He shakes his head fervently.
“Good. Keep it between us and Bex. We’ll take extra care for the next few days as a precaution. It may tell us a lot about his motives,” I say.
“We’ll need Laz to help as well. Unless you’re concerned that he’s too close to Payson.”
“No,” I say. “They’ve grown closer, but Laz is the last person I’d suspect. He has access to virtually everything. If he really wanted to hurt us, he would have done it weeks ago.”
Ira nods in agreement.
“When do we reach the fleet?”
“Five days. Until then, we need to recoup, and we’ll make a plan when we can gather all our resources,” Ira replies, placing his hands behind his back.
“Agreed.” I sigh heavily, waiting for the emotions to simmer. My gaze flicks to Skyler’s hat, and I swallow the guilt.
“Keep your head up, Vallen. We did it. It’s actually happening,” Ira says, like a father would tell his son.
“This was supposed to be the easy part. I hope we can endure to the end,” I say, rubbing my temples. I know I might not be alive by then, but if we keep going, others can carry the banner for us in the fight for an equal and fair galaxy.
“I’ll take my leave,” Ira says. “You really should get that checked.” He nods to my knee.
“Of course.”
I can’t stand anymore, falling into the chair closest to me when he leaves and letting out a stifled groan before pushing the palms of my hands against my temples. My head aches almost as much as my leg.
Spectra passes near a crimson nebula out in the distance. It’s as if the galaxy mocks me, reminds me of the blood that has been sacrificed and that more will undoubtedly be required. I stand, hissing through my teeth at the throb, limping over to the window. I place my hand against the glass.
“Get my family off Earth. Keep them safe.”Her plea, a curse in my mind.
And I will. I will get every single person off the planet.
“Hang on, Sky. Just hang on. I’m coming for you. I promise,” I whisper, as if the constellations can track her down and deliver that oath.
I catch my reflection in the window. No wonder everyone is so concerned for me. I look like death—dark circles under my eyes, pale from blood loss.
I wonder how people will view me now. Vallen Mannox, the son who betrayed his own flesh and blood, a traitor. It’s better than the boy I was for so long. Molded to become my father in every way.
But I have no father. I am who I am of my own making, my own design.
And there’s only one person who truly sees the real me, the man I want to be, and I let her slip through my fingers.
I’ll stop the world and melt with you
“I Melt With You,” Modern English
Iwhisper their names over and over, afraid if I stop, fear will crush me. “Mom. Dad. Gran. Elliot. Ori. Payson. Laz. Runa. Romy. Vallen.”
Vallen.
He has to understand why I did it. He has to see that there were no other options. I know he would’ve never agreed to it, but it was the only way.
I hope it pays off, that it was a worthy sacrifice. A selfless act over my selfish need for him.
Zenith was in a state of disarray for hours after the explosion before we got underway again. The soft humming of the engines was at a standstill, but I can sense that we are speeding among the stars once again.
I’m in an interrogation room much like before, except this time, there is no table, only a single chair in the middle of the room and a blinding spotlight shining down on me, where I sit with the thick clasps that were snapped into place around my wrist and ankles the moment I sat down. I don’t know how long I’ve been here, but it’s been long enough that my head is starting to nod as the minutes from fatigue. I think about everyone while I am awake, and I don’t escape any of those thoughts in my dreams either. I can find no peace.
