I can hear them talking. There’s a window open somewhere, but I remain where I am, smoking my cigarette. “…joining us?” Zaia’s faint voice reaches me. “No,” Valerie’s voice comes. “Oh…” “Sorry,” Valerie’s quiet voice comes. “Don’t be. He has every right to do what feels best for him,” Hugh says
ZADE. It’s late at night, and Sebastian and Zaia’s older three kids have now gone up to bed and I’m relieved. For some reason, the Menace refused to stop looking at me all evening. The oldest, Zion, is pretty mature for his age, and he’s grown a lot from the last time I saw him. Sia, she’s decent
We fall silent, pondering on those words. “But we have to try, for their loved ones, for Adriana, for Atticus, for Linette and for Hugh,” Valerie says as Kaia now climbs onto my lap and stares up at me. Atticus looks up and nods slowly before he looks away, sighing heavily. “It’s rude to stare,” I
If I had any doubt before that something was bothering him, it’s gone. I can almost see the pain in his face, the music, and the way he’s pouring his soul into it. I wait, as his fingers fly over the piano keys, his heart thundering louder with every touch. Somehow the music feels nostalgic, remind
VALERIE. It’s the following day, and the tension is high, partially over what we are about to attempt with the healing and also something has gone down between Zade and Atticus. That was clear from the hostility at breakfast, with Zade simply taking his coffee and walking out when Atticus entered.
‘We won’t succeed, will we?’ I ask Zade, my eyes fixed on Zion. ‘We won’t know until we try. There’s always hope,’ he replies. Our eyes meet, and I nod. He’s right, I can’t give up before even trying. I look around the room, knowing that everyone must be feeling similar to how I am right now. The
VALERIE.It’s been nearly two weeks since we’ve returned. Since then, things have been extremely hectic. The tension has been rising, with Zade working on trying to break the code on the system that controlled the microchips.Another thing that brought great concern… considering the Arkan had access
Cassian chuckles and raises his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. I do apologise. I know things are hard Valerie… but know that I’m not against you or your people.” He reaches out placing a hand on my shoulder giving it a squeeze, my eyes flash and I grip his wrist, insta