Page 102 of The Shade of Things
Laurent’s lips twisted wryly, and he appeared to be weighing out his next words. “I’m motivated differently now. There’s a lot to be said for motivation in the face of compulsion.”
“Uh-huh,” I said doubtfully. “What are you going to do about Isla? You want me to come with you to find her?”
“I have no desire to find her.”
I did a double take. “What? She turned on us. She made us believe she was on our side. How do you not want her to pay for that?” Isla should have been the one to lose her sanity, not Daw.
His expression grew pensive. “Maybe it’s different because I remember the person she used to be. A good person. Or maybe it’s because I’ve grown so much and am so self-aware.” I snorted, and he gave me a mock-stern scowl. “I don’t want revenge.” He sighed. “I’m tired of revenge. I want to live for the right reasons, not keep trying to die for the wrong ones.”
He meant that. A kernel of hope lodged in my chest, and I lay my hand on his cheek. “I’ll call if I need help.”
He pressed a chaste kiss to my knuckles then shut the door behind me.
I wanted to live for the right reasons too. My parents could have left me a detailed confession and it wouldn’t change anything. They’d still be gone. They still hadn’t prioritized our family, or me, over the job that had gotten them killed.
I tilted my head to the clear blue sky. I had my family, my friends, my weirdo supernaturals, and Laurent, who’d surprised me in many ways today.
Okay. I’d get the Ascendant, tell Tatiana everything, and then once and for all, put my past behind me.
I was differently motivated now too.
