Page 39

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

GRACE

“ G o! Go! Go!” Nakoa shouts like the building’s about the explode as we race out of the lair in the direction of the cove where Grace’s ship sank, on the border of North and South, where the border itself has broken down.

We can’t run back to civilization fast enough. As soon as we make it down the imposing walkway that leads to the Lighthouse, we don’t rest from sunup through sunset. Every time Nakoa tries to get me to sleep, I see a vision of that monstrous thing and find the power to keep walking.

“Let’s make camp. Packs Bravo, Charlie, and Delta have already made contact with the weapon’s stash and are coordinating the response to start repairs on the ship.

There’s been no sighting of wolves in over a month.

More than likely, they’re prepared for us.

Rushing the fence weaponless and exhausted won’t save anyone, Grace. ”

Our meal of canned beans and peaches taste like shit. But the fact that we’re all eating it together feels like a blessing amidst the curse still lingering over this island.

But I can’t keep much of it down. Leo even attempts to feed me, like a baby, but I turn him away. I made up an excuse about what I saw that unsettled my stomach. And it works for a while, until I turn to the crude wine we recovered in the warehouse.

“You don’t want some wine? You’ve been whining about it for weeks,” Raphi says, incredulous.

I shake my head.

“I want to watch the stars. Show me the constellations. Show me the world beyond this island.”

We look up at the stars, tracing, constellations and symbols. I’ve never heard of it before until my face aches from smiling, and my arms are heavy from lifting them high all day and night.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt this type of peace before.

At least not this type of piece before my mother was murdered before just thinking a sentence like that would throw me into a week.

Long tailspin filled was drinking and drugging the pain away, but ever since I accepted my pack in my alpha, I felt more secure.

Ever since I lost Faith one month ago life had loss so much of its meaning. All my life have been reduced to protecting my sister, saving my sister, and I have failed her.

But at least…

I don’t give voice to the thought. It terrifies me, the sharpness of my longing for Faith feels like a knife to the heart when I think about it.

She was always gentler with the soft yet firm soul of our mother. How could I ever measure up to her? She would know what to say. She would find the right way to say it too, but all I would do is disturb the delicate balance that we have found with each other if I said the truth.

I’m such a fucking hypocrite. I’m such a piece of shit. How long have I berated Raphael, Nakoa, and Leo for lying to me only to turn around and shield the biggest law of all?

But how much longer can I hide from the truth?