CHAPTER 25 Shifting Allegiances “You’re really going through with this, aren’t you?” Rhea’s voice was flat, but Flora knew her well enough to catch the turnabout of concern. She did not look up from strapping the cutter to her ham.” I don’t have important of a choice.” Rhea folded her arms, leaning against the essence … Read more
CHAPTER 24 A New Beginning–or the End? +15 Bonus “You’re leaving?” Adrian’s voice was barely above a whisper, as if he couldn’t quite believe the words himself. He stood at the edge of the campfire, its shadows dancing across his face, his eyes searching hers for an answer that seemed impossible. Flora did not know … Read more
CHAPTER 23 Last Resort “Flora! Behind!” Adrian’s voice cuts through the menaces from the spattered sounds of gunshot to the thunderous explosion of shells. In a just–in–time reflex, she wheeled around to be able to crouch from that bullet as it whipped around her shoulder; buckling and started going down with hardly any more time … Read more
CHAPTER 22 Forcing Alliances “Flora, listen, I know this isn’t ideal, but we don’t have much choice.” Adrian’s voice came tightly drawn; hands clenched to his sides. Gone was his usually confident swagger, and the situation required more than a bruised ego. Flora cast him a glance, arms across her chest, guarded. “Don’t think you’re … Read more
CHAPTER 21 The Storm Approaches. “Flora, we need to talk.” +15 Bonus The words hung in the air like a warning. Flora didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. Adrian’s voice was deep and. steady, a blade cutting through tension in the room. She could feel the weight of his presence … Read more
CHAPTER 20 The Breaking Point “You’re making a mistake, Adrian” +15 Bonus Alice’s voice slithered across the darkened room like a snake, and he could almost hear the venom behind her words. Adrian’s jaw was clenched tight, fists deeper, but he never budged. He had waited too long for this. 1?” Adrian said, his tone … Read more
CHAPTER 19 +15 Bonus The Power Shift Flora leaned against the wall, the steady hum of the base bustling around her yet it all felt so very distant. She shifted the straps of her gear; her mind was miles away. A knock on the door pulled her back into the present. “Hey, you decent?” She … Read more
CHAPTER 18 A Fragile Truce +15 Bonus “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Flora folded her arms, eyeing the group of soldiers assembled before her. Across from her, Adrian mirrored her stance, looking just as displeased. “I don’t like it either, but orders are orders.” They stood at the edge of the training grounds, surrounded … Read more
CHAPTER17 The First Crack “You sure about this?” Jonas asked, keeping his voice low. Adrian didn’t look at him. His gaze was fixed ahead, his jaw set. “I’ve never been surer of anything.” They stood in the centre of the pack’s large, open meeting hall with its walls lined by torches. It wasn’t a meeting … Read more
CHAPTER 16 +15 Bonus Unfinished Business “That is a terrible plan,” Flora murmured, arms crossed as she surveyed the chart in front of her.” You realize if we shoot troops through the eastern corridor, they’ll be boxed in from both sides?” Lieutenant Ramos soughed, rubbing his temples.” It’s the fastest route, Captain. Speed is everything.” … Read more