Page 138 of The Commons

I just now realize it must have been Pesh that bumped into Beatrice, not the other way round. My eyes merge with Pesh’s. “Is this gonna be a thing, you putting yourself in harm’s way for me every time?”

“I’d rather die than watch you be hurt.”

I roll my eyes, walking away. “We’re gonna have to figure out a middle ground where we can all stop trying to die!” Good grief!

We walk through The Commons training ground, conversing and catching up on all that has happened.

Then suddenly, we see our girl—Levon, running toward us!

I sprint against the wind, charging into her arms. I am the first to hug her, then she hugs Pesh and me together. Swin smiles from behind, bending his head, too shy to join. When was Swin ever shy?

Levon’s gaze meets Swin’s as we come out of our embrace. “Look who’s not dead yet?” she says, walking over to him.

“Could say the same thing about you,” Swin responds, gleaming.

She smiles, moving to hug him.

He opens his arms; then suddenly he shifts away from her. “Um, actually don’t touch me, physical touch is not my love language.”

She scoffs. “Oh really? Adjust it then.” Before he can respond, she swings into his arms and kisses him.

“Oh my God!” He surrenders completely to her. “Wow!” His pupils dilate in excitement as their tongues crash into each other. He is having the greatest day of his entire life, beyond his wildest dreams.

He grabs her hair, his hands gliding through her golden curls, her hands sliding through his umber hair, gripping onto his wind-tousled hair like she’s holding on for dear life.

Heat. Passion. And everything in between.

“Damn!” His hands push her tightly to his body, and her lovely bust slams into him with a thud, but she is not alarmed. Instead, she grips onto him some more as he pulls her closer, holding her tight.

“Swin!” she exclaims, like she didn’t expect him to hold her so sweetly, so tightly, so passionately. And honestly, neither did I. It’s clear—he really likes her.

And he moves to her ears, whispering, “I’m gonna take care of you now. I’m yours to insult, to annoy, to piss off, and to kill even if you effin’ want. That’s your right with me now. To do whatever the F’ you want.”

She stares silently. Like her soul and heart stands still.

I’ve never seen Levon this free with any guy in her entire life, let alone now, after all that’s happened to her. Her jewel eyes blink, staring into his light-olive eyes as the sun crashes in between them.

Then she says, “That was just me pretending to be nice. Don’t ever talk to me again.” She flicks his shirt, her lips curving into a smile as she walks past me.

He smiles, licking his lips. “What else could I ask for?” he mutters, staring at her with cow eyes.

A smile escapes my lips as I watch my beautiful sister fade into the sunset.

It’s always been Levon being there for me.

I hope in time, every part of her soul will heal.

I hope in time she will truly feel whole again—now, she’s free.

My heart leaps to see my sunlight free.

My sister.

My best friend forever.

Now, I will strive to see her full of happiness that rushes out of her soul like water out of a springing cistern.

Two months later…