“Push everyone away. You keep everyone at arm’s length. Even Artemus who seems to be your best friend is still somehow outside of your orbit.”
He turns and his face is darkened, hidden from the glow of moonlight. “Because it’s better that way.”
“Is it? Or is that just what you tell yourself?” He’s glaring at me like the last thing he wants right now is one of my rousing speeches. “Trust me, I’m an expert when it comes to putting walls up and pushing people away. If there’s anything I’ve learned recently, it’s that keeping people out isn’t for the better. I’ve experienced a lot of loss and the only thing making life worth living now is the people closest to me. Without them there would be no point.”
“Growing up with my father around made getting close to people impossible. Even now, he still finds ways to take those I care about. It’s too big of a risk.”
I turn around, but before I take off, I add, “I hope someday you find someone worth taking that chance on.”
Chapter 44
Ryder
Insufferable.
How isshegoing to lecturemeabout pushing people away?And who is she to say what is better? She didn’t grow up with a father who would kill everyone who got close to her as a way of controlling her. But I did. And even now he still has his talons in me. Reminding me that Reign will never be safe as long as I’m close to her.
She may think that pushing people away isn’t the answer, but I don’t have that luxury. Not when it’s her life at risk. Even if she can’t die, the ones she loves can. And when he finds out what she is, that is who my father will come for. Amaya. Emeric. Damien. They’re all targets as long as she’s by my side.
“Come to visit the shish kebab?” Artemus shifts in the makeshift bed.
“I should kill you for scaring me like that.”
“I just thought you could use a little distraction from all of your brooding.”
I huff out a laugh. “That’s my natural state. I can’t help it.”
“Don’t I know it,” he snickers.
“Enough about me. How’re you feeling?”
“Oh, just dandy. Nothing like being impaled by a blade to get a guy going.”
“You wore it well, my friend.” I pat him on the shoulder, and he grins up at me like a child.
“What’s the update?” he asks, his smile fading.
“Forty-two dead. Fifty-six injured. I was headed to go see about Zane but wanted to stop by and check on you first.”
“What happens if he’s been turned into a bomb, too?”
“Let’s not talk about what-ifs. We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.” I take his hand in mine. “Get some rest. I need my second back.”
“Yes, sir,” he answers with a squeeze.
I take one last look around the Center filled with injured soldiers. We need more allies if we’re going to stand a chance against my father. Otherwise, this war is over before it’s begun.
“He’s all yours,” Slader hisses when I enter the room. “I’ve searched every bit of Zane’s mind and there’s no sign it’s been tampered with.”
“Why would the king only use Nexus and not me?” Zane questions. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled about it, but two bombs seem better than one.”
“It wasn’t about bombing our army.”
“Then what was it about?” Amaya demands, holding onto Zane’s still shackled hand.
I walk over and begin unlocking the restraints. “It’s my father’s way of taunting me. Reminding me that he decides who lives and who dies. It’s just a game to him.”
“What a monster,” Amaya mumbles under her breath and I couldn’t agree more.
