Page 88 of Claim the Light
Her lips press together and she doesn’t utter a denial.
They’re all running out of time.
I give a groan of frustration, dropping my head into my hands. “Right now, my power feels like a Band-Aid on a knife wound. And while I’m trying to figure things out, Tyler’s out there building an army of fucking soulless Scorn dragons.”
I raise my head again. “If my power is dangerous, then I need to use it against Tyler.That’swhen I’ll understand it.”
I expect her to argue with me, but instead, she says, “I agree.”
“You do?”
Once again, her eyes pierce mine. “Your instincts are pure. Trust them.”
That’s all she says and I consider her carefully. “If I destroy Tyler, will you be cured?”
“His power will no longer exist. He can’t turn anyone else’s heart to ash.”
I narrow my eyes at her, not liking her evasive response. “But willyoube cured?”
She exhales heavily. “I want to believe that if there’s still light in my heart, then the ash will lose its power once its source is destroyed.”
My heart is cracking a little at the uncertainty. “But you don’t know for certain.”
She shakes her head. “I might die with him.”
My hands are shaking and all I can do is close them into fists, trying to anchor myself.
Where is this fucking hope when I need it for myself?
Again, I speak carefully. “You’re giving me the power to make my own choices, aren’t you?”
She inclines her head. “I’m not your alpha. And quite frankly, with the force I sense in you, there isn’t an alpha in the world who should rule over you, Sophia. Your choices now must be your own.”
Leaning back in my chair and folding my hands in my lap, I consider my options.
None are terribly good.
I could leave the veil and confront Tyler on my own. My family would be safe from the fight—some of them here in the veil, the rest hidden in Grudge territory. But for Micah, Beatrix, and Lana, the longer I’m gone, the colder their hearts will become. A ticking timebomb left behind.
Or I can take them with me, keep them close, and make sure their hearts are safe. But in doing so, I’d be exposing them to the battle ahead. They’d be vulnerable to Tyler’s power and he could use them against me.
Even if I destroy Tyler, I might not be able to save my family. Not those who have already been affected by his power.
Fuck it.There is no right answer.
As I contemplate Lana and remember where she came from, I know one thing for certain: I don’t want to fight this battle alone.
“I’m taking you with me,” I say quietly. “You and Micah and Beatrix. I want you at my side. But Isaac and Callan must either stay here where it’s safe or go to Grudge territory to help protect the others. I won’t allow anyone else to be exposed to Tyler’s hatred.”
Lana takes a deep breath. “Help me up?”
I lean forward to wrap my arms around her. It’s a difficult mission when her wings are in the way, but I manage to draw her upright. Then I’m hugging her. I press a kiss to her cheek and I can’t help but notice the way her natural skin color returns at the contact.
Before I help her to the edge of the bed, I say, “Love you, Lana. You’re my sister now, and I’m going to keep you alive.”
She tips her chin at me as she slides her feet to the floor, taking a deep breath but remaining upright when I release her. “Love you, too, Sophia.”
Not words I ever thought this angel would say to me.
