Page 225 of A War Around Us

“I could have killed you, Moretti. Your back faced me, and you failed to seeme. But that would only harm her, and I wouldn’t hurt her.” He stretched his hand. “We are on the same team,hers. Let her go, so I can make sure my sister lives.”

Fuck.

How could I hand her tohim?

Place such trust on whom months ago threatened my brother.

“The shadows are only big enough for one body,” I explained.

Our attention shifted to my left. Arlo was losing ground.

“Then I’ll make sure it’s hers.”

I nodded.

“We don’t have much time to slip away, Moretti,” Leo said, distracted by the large open courtyard.

I turned to Katia, her eyes already dreading my next words.

“No.”

“I’ll meet you shortly, alright?”

Her head swayed from side to side.

I stole a rushed kiss, unable to let her go without one last taste.

“No fear, Katia.”

“I fear not for myself. I fear something happening to you. You are already bleeding, Lucca!”

“Moretti,” Leo warned.

“That’s foolish. It’s just another day. Now go.” I pulled her head to my chest and placed her in Leo’s hand.

“There’s a secret passage that will lead you to a bunker. It’s inside the priest’s chamber. Katia knows the way. Look for the small door behind a large mirror. I’ll find you both after.”

“Who all knows?” he questioned its safety.

“Just us and my brothers,” then I added. “Ilias could’ve taken a few already. He’ll open the door for her.”

“Got it.”

“Go!” I ushered Leo.

His eyes thanked me as he tucked Katia into his side, and he disappeared along with her emeralds and white stained dress.

A part of me knew I should’ve never let her go.

Another knew we had no chance of coming out alive if we stayed together.

Then, why did I feel as if my demon wept?

XLVI

LUCCA

I crouchedlow on the floor and took cover.

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