Montegue placed Jalaine in my arms. The faintest groan shook her chest as she was jostled between us. Ten steps back to Mason, that was all I was allowed.
I turned, holding her in the middle of the street, away from everyone. She was a feather in my arms, my little sister who had been the fire in our family. Her broken bones rippled against my touch.
“Jalaine,” I whispered. “It’s Jase.”
She struggled to open her eyes, her lids heavy and rimmed with red, but then her gaze locked onto mine. Her cracked lips moved, mouthing my name, but there was no sound.
I brought my face closer to hers. “Sister. I’m taking you back to Mother.
The family.”
“You got my note?” she whispered.
“Yes,” I answered. “I came as soon as I could.” “I knew you would. The family is safe?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “Good.” Her eyes briefly closed. “Jase?” “I’m here.”
“Bury me next to Sylvey.”
My throat ached like a fist had twisted it into a knot.
How could she know? I pulled her close, my chest shaking. Stop talking like that, sister. You’re going to be fine! Fine!
Her eyes remained fixed on me, waiting for an answer. I couldn’t lie. Not this time. I finally nodded and cleared my throat. “I will. I love you, Jalaine.”
“I know, brother.” Her voice was as fragile as a cobweb, like a gust of wind would steal it away from me at any moment.
“That’s enough, Ballenger,” Montegue called. “Pass her over and walk back.”
I kissed her forehead, my lips lingering, then handed her to Mason and watched him walk away with her. I wiped my eyes. My nose.
You’re going to be fine. Maybe some lies, maybe most of them, were lies we only told ourselves.
My gaze shifted to Kazi. Her eyes were wild, scanning the soldiers, rooftops, Banques, everything, like she was searching for something.
Once Mason had Jalaine safely back with the others, I turned. The archers’ arrows were all trained on me to make sure I kept my part of the bargain. A guard stood next to the king with shackles ready.
“Patrei!” Kazi called out. I looked back over my shoulder. She craned her neck, and her chest rose in heavy breaths. I waited. “Blink last!” she finally said and tucked her chin toward her chest.
I nodded uncertainly, still eyeing her, and then turned back to face Montegue.
