Page 44 of Jude

“I will enjoy making you pay for that,” he spat at her.

“I doubt anything you’ve got is working after that.”

“You’ll find out soon enough, you little bitch.”

“That’s enough,” said the soldier who held her. His gaze shifted to Jude. “Is that another Ember brother?”

“This one’s Jude,” said a tall, blond soldier who had him by the arm.

A sly smile spread across the soldier’s face. “It looks like we got lucky tonight. Two Ember brothers, a dragon hybrid, and who are you?” His gaze roved over Octavia. “Just another deluded resistance fighter?”

“Better than being deluded and brainwashed by the State.”

The soldier shook his head. “Whatever you say. Your loyalty to the resistance movement will be rewarded by your death. I hope it was worth it.”

Octavia looked at Jude. It was. For all the sleepless nights and worry she’d gone through, for the danger she’d faced and the risk of discovery, it had all been worth it. To keep him safe. To keep as many people as possible safe.

“Take her to the transport,” said the soldier. “The rest of you get Jude to talk.”

He pushed Octavia toward the guy with the pockmarked face, who tied her hands behind her back and shoved her forward. “Get moving, bitch.”

She glared at him, but her gaze shifted as she heard Jude groan.

Two soldiers held his arms, while another slammed his fists into Jude’s stomach.

Her breath caught in her throat. They were going to kill him. She had to stop them. She took a step toward Jude but got yanked back by her hair.

“Keep walking. He’s not your concern anymore.”

Octavia glared at the soldier. “You won’t get away with this.”

“We will. We do. Your life is over. You’re a dead woman walking. And your friend back there, he’s already dead.”