Page 6 of The Last Hope

Kinden, the Soarcastle sisters, and Zimmer have been missing ever since we were thrown into the brig. The last we saw of them was on the observation deck. When we learned we’re human.

If we want to escape, we have to do it ourselves.

I’m going to die.

Tears threaten to well again.

Mykal taps my cheek. Twice. Trying to show affection and get me to lift my head.

I don’t.

“Court.”

My throat almost swells closed. Finally, I look up at Mykal.And I choke out, “I’m afraid to die.” I don’t know how both sentiments can be true. I don’t understand what I’m feeling. Death is more complex than it’s supposed to be.

Only love makes sense.

Forcefully, Mykal says, “You won’t be dyin’ anytime soon.”

I blink and tears fall. “You and your fantasies.”

He cries, “I promise you.”

Both of us hunching, I tug him closer, gripping his bicep for dear life. His bare chest pushes up against mine, an electric spark zipping through my veins.

We inhale.

“I promise you,” he repeats, wrapping his burly arms around my shivering body.

Warmth kisses my flesh. I hold on to him, and the more Franny calls for help, the more I think of Kinden.

“Mykal,” I whisper. “If you see my brother again, tell Kinden I’m sorry…” I take a second. “I’m sorry… I couldn’t give him longer.”

All my brother wanted was more time with me.

And I’ve lost him again.

Mykal pulls back and stares deep in my eyes. “You’ll be telling him yourself.”

I doubt. “I have one day left. If that.”

He pats my cheek again. “Today is the day of freedom then.” Mykal wears a halfhearted smile.

I’m about to mention how every day our plan of escape wields the same desolate result, but Franny speaks first.

“It’s different now,” she says, voice raspy from shouting. But she’s settled back into a crouch, ear to the door.

“How so?” I wonder.

Purpose locks her shoulders. And lights her eyes on fire. “We’re more desperate than ever before.”

TWO

Franny

Court will not die here.

We willnotdie here. Gods, do you hear me? I scorch from the inside out, not just from the fykking heat of this bare-bones room that smells like piss. A fiery scream scratches my throat, aching to be freed.