Page 59 of Uprooted

Elowen

“They aren’t coming,” Aro says.

My mind goes blank. That can’t be right. I drop down onto our bed, trying to make sense of what Aro just told me.

“I don’t understand. The treaty says…” My voice trails off while I try to figure out why Earth wouldn’t be coming to support j'Tilak.

“They made it clear they have what they need from us, and they have honored their side of the treaty by temporarily being on standby following the initial attack,” Aro explains. Pacing around the room, he shoves his hair back out of his face.

“It’s just a matter of time before the Atorum attack again.”

“The noble houses are still trying to negotiate the terms. Apparently some language in the treaty is vague.”

“And we’re just supposed to sit and wait until there’s another attack?"

“It’s not looking good. We’ve decided to begin evacuations.”

“What can we do? Can I convince them to come? They might listen to me,” I offer.

“My father’s advisors asked me to appeal to Earth. To see if my new ability would be enough to get them to act,” Aro says.

“That sounds like a bad idea. It’s still too unpredictable.”

“I’d be putting myself in the middle of this mess. I don’t want to be used as a tool for either planet. It also has the risk of getting you involved,” he says quietly.

“You think they would use me to get to you?” I ask. He sits down next to me on the bed .

“That’s exactly what I think. They wouldn’t hesitate to put you in danger if it meant I summoned my battleform.” I can hear the stress in his voice. I take some of the blame for this. In a way, Aro is having to choose between me and doing everything possible to help his people.

Wait—it’s not my fault. It’s not Aro’s fault. It’s the EGA that has put us in this impossible situation. If they would do what’s right and honor the treaty, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

There is a sour taste of betrayal in my mouth. I came here for the good of humanity, and this is how they say “thank you.” The thought of returning to Earth makes me sick to my stomach.

“We’ll figure it out,” I tell him and climb into his lap, wrapping my arms around his broad back.

“You know that I’ll do anything to protect you,” he says against my hair, holding me to him.

“I will too,” I say and rest my head against his hard chest.