“K.” Elliot put his hand on my arm. “We did the right thing. And you! Not only did you get all the info we needed, but you also brought me something that could change this whole goddamn world! I’m so proud of you! And I know your dad would be too.”
“You think?”
“I know it. This girl…”
“Seph,” I said quickly.
“Seph then. If you are right about her, we may have just landed a huge advantage. Imagine us standing there, stripping the Council of their power? How satisfying would that be?”
I eyed Elliot uncomfortably. “Seph is different than what you think. She is sweet and kind. And strong. You can’t ask her to hurt people – she won’t do that.”
“I get it, I do. I won’t force her. But once she knows what the Council has done… she may decide for herself.”
I watched Elliot closely. “Do you really think we can beat them? the Council’s reach is still so strong now – “
“A week ago I would have agreed with you. But a week ago we didn’t have Gideon fucking Quinn in custody. And if Sable can get us the address, we could end this whole thing. And soon.”
“I hope you’re right.” I sighed.
“Let me talk to her. To Seph,” Elliot said simply. “I’ll get to know her a bit.”
I snorted. “Good luck getting through Ash and Dev. You know they’ll be hovering.”
“Yeah I noticed that. How do you feel about that?”
“How should I feel,” I shifted uncomfortably. “She’s not mine.”
The words felt like a lie.
Elliot just stared at me, like he didn’t believe me.
“This girl. She’s the one…”
I didn’t answer. I just looked away.
“Right.” Elliot placed his hand on my arm. “I’m here for you, OK K? You know that.”
“I know. Thank you, Elliot.”
I watched him stand.
“You know the Council will come for us, right? They can’t let something like this stand. We won’t be safe for very long here, even with all your men. I imagine, weeks, maybe days before we get hit.”
Elliot paused, turning around to look at me. On his face a smile began to grow.
“Let them come. We’ll be ready. And when it’s time…”
His eyes darkened with determination.
“If what you told me about her is even half true about what she cando,” he said softly, “there won’t be anyone left to stop us.”
Epilogue
Seph
I was dreaming. But it was unlike anything I had seen before.
I stood on a precipice, high above the world below. And before me, in the sky.
