AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Always," I whisper into the darkness, feeling Etienne's finger press against my shoulder in silent agreement. "We will always be here for you, Lisette."
"Always," she echoes, her voice a sigh on the wind, a promise etched into the stars above. And as sleep claims us, I know that this is only the beginning, the first page in a story that has no end.
Chapter Fifteen
Remy
I stand near the window, my eyes fixed on the world outside. The relentless rain has finally subsided, allowing a sliver of sunlight to break through the heavy clouds. Its warm rays slice across the compound, casting long shadows that dance eerily on the ground, as if concealing secrets. The atmosphere is heavy with tension, like a thick shroud that wraps around everything it touches.
In the distance, I see a group of men being led away by armed guards. Their faces are etched with defeat and fear, their spirits broken by the recent upheaval. These men were once loyal to Marcel, a powerful figure who ruled over us with an iron fist. But now, as the winds of change blow through our world, they are being rounded up, their fate uncertain. I watch them intently, unable to tear my eyes away, even as my heart thunders in my chest.
Beside me, Stefan, my best friend and newly appointed second-in-command, leans against the wall. His arms are folded across his broad chest, a steady pillar of support amidst the chaos. His eyes never leave mine, as if he can sense the turmoil raging within me. We have been through so much together, and he is the only one who truly understands the weight I carry.
"Remy," he says, his voice low and soothing. The sound reaches me like a lifeline, anchoring me to the present moment. "You know this is necessary."
I nod, though my mind is clouded with doubt and unease. The responsibility that rests upon my shoulders feels unbearable at times, threatening to consume me.
The guilt.
I was the one who tipped Claude off that Marcel had kidnapped Lisette. In return, he promised me Marcel’s life. I thought that I had saved us all from a war.
Marcel always has been a fool. He had to push his luck. If only he had waited for me, let my plans come to fruition, he would have lived to see Claude’s family fall.
Soon.
I rub the back of my neck, hoping to relieve some of the tension that has built up. "Oui," I mutter, my voice nearly silent, even to my own ears. "I know that, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Stefan's gaze softens, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes. He knows the internal struggle I face, torn between duty and compassion. "Nothing in our world ever is," he replies, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and determination. It's a bittersweet reminder of the harsh realities we confront daily.
I turn to face him fully, seeking solace in the presence of an old friend and trusted comrade. Together, we have weathered countless storms, our bond forged in the fires of hardship. I take a deep breath, finding strength in our shared plan, knowing that I am not alone in this daunting journey.
The weight of Marcel's betrayal lingers heavy in the air, my heart aching with the knowledge that he was once my brother. He was meant to be our protector, our guiding light, but he had succumbed to the allure of power and control, leading us astray. Now, as I stand here, watching the consequences of his actions unfold, I know that it falls upon me to rebuild what he has shattered.
"Marcel..." I trail off, my voice choked with a mixture of anger, sadness, and disappointment. Finding the right words to encapsulate the storm brewing within me feels impossible. "He was my brother, but he failed us all. Now it falls to me to pick up the pieces."
Just as the weight of my responsibility threatens to overwhelm me, Louis, my uncle, enters the room. His presence commands attention, his dark eyes reflecting both sympathy and an unwavering determination. He understands the immense burden I carry, but he also knows that dwelling on the past will only hinder our progress.
