Page 12 of They Will Fall

Not only did I bring Riley here so she could hide out for a while, but I have every intention of keeping her here until I know it’s safe for her to leave. Even if it means keeping her against her will.

I just hope she understands I’m doing it with her best interests at heart. Because I love her—and I won’t lose her.

CHAPTER5

RILEY

My plan failed.After Ridge left, I was supposed to leave the cabin and go into town on foot to buy my own supplies for myself.

I need to find Lev. He is the missing link right now, and the only one who can save me by offering his own truth to The Elders.

As I was heading out the door, Maddox joined my side and said we needed to leave, fast. Now here we are, climbing down a ladder and entering the very room a monstrous man made his dark lair over a year ago.

When I first realized where we were, I was stunned. Traumatized by the events of my past, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to face this place, or anything that held reminders of the governor, ever again.

But something woke inside me. A light was turned on, and suddenly, life was breathed back into my soul. Bravery washed over me unexpectedly and I suddenly had the urge to confront my fear and prove something to it.

For the first time since that bullet left the gun, it feels like I can face all of my problems head-on and leave the past behind. Despite any inner turmoil brewing in my stomach, I know, deep down, I have to try—that somehow facing it all will lead me toward the redemption I so desperately need.

The second my feet hit solid ground, I close my eyes, taking in the familiar scent. Allowing myself to fully embrace this healing process.

Falling into a cave of madness,

Like creatures in the night.

Fretful memories fill my mind,

As we leave the last bit of light.

“You okay?” Maddox asks, his comforting hand returning to my hip. It’s something he does frequently when he suspects I’m in distress, and it works. Maddox is the calm to my storm, and I’m not sure how I’d get through any of this without him—without any of them.

My mind wanders to Lev. I hope he’s safe, wherever he is. As angry as I am with him for what he’s done to himself and to me, I can’t force myself not to care.

“Yeah,” I finally say to Maddox, allowing my eyes to open. There’s a glint of light coming down the ladder, so we’re able to see a small area of the room, but it won’t last long. “The sun is beginning to set. We need to find light.”

“That we do.” He squeezes my hip. “Was there any electricity running to this place last time you were here?”

“No. But there were lanterns. Do you think they may have been left behind?”

I’ve been here a few times, so I remember this place well. It isn’t quite as traumatic for me as it would be for Scar, considering the governor was after her. He filled a small room with everything there was to know about her. Old paper clippings, reports, and pictures. Chills run down my spine at the thought. For me, it’s more of a reminder of taking his life and an even bigger reminder of why I shouldn’t regret what I did.

Governor Saint was pure evil in the worst form. And I can finally admit, Scar was right—I am a hero. Even if it’s only in my own story.

“Jackpot.” Maddox beams, holding up something I can’t quite make out. I stick close to his side, still uncertain that something won’t jumpout around a corner at us.

With the flick of his finger, we have light.

“Hell yes!” I throw myself into his arms, shaking the lantern and flickering the flame. “I can’t believe they left one down here.”

Once I free him from my hold, he walks a few feet to a desk attached to the wall. “Not just one,” he chirps as he picks up another lantern. “But two.”

This one gives him a little more trouble, but after a couple minutes, he brings the flame to life and hands me the lantern.

I hold it up, scouring the area, and much to my surprise, the entire place is empty. “This is nothing like it was last year,” I tell him. “There was so much stuff down here before. So many papers and pictures.”

“I heard they cleared it out. Guess I heard right.”

My eyes land on the door that leads to the tunnels. “Think anyone is out there?”

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