The silence was deafening. Whatever plans Bran and I had had just gone down the tube. After our encounter with the archangels, I knew the Tribunal’s punishment would be swift and merciless if we disobeyed them. Tears prickled the back of my eyes, but I fought them back. This was not the moment to cry and indulge in self-pity.
I clung to Bran and absorbed his warmth, his love, let his energy blend me with mine and take me to that special place where nothing could hurt me. When I tried to lean back, he refused to let me go. Tears threatened to flow again.
He didn’t say anything, his arms tightening around me, both of us shaking.
“Lilith Falcon, cross the floor,” the judge ordered.
Someone rubbed my back. I knew it was Aunt Janelle without looking. Over Bran’s shoulder, my gaze met with Sykes, then Remy, Kim, and Izzy. They moved closer, their expressions so easy to read; they were ready to declare a war. I knew then they’d do something stupid if I cried or indicated I needed their help.
The lead judge said something and Bran stiffened. Grampa put his arms around us both. “It is time, Bran,” he said in a voice that wasn’t steady. “You have to let her go.”
“You will do this and come back stronger than ever.” Grampa’s voice broke.
A tear escaped and I swiped at it. “No matter what happens, I’ll always be a Guardian and I’ll always love you, Grampa.”
He stepped back and Aunt Janelle took his place. “You will make it,
“I know, Aunt Janelle. Take care of him for me,” I whispered. “Bran too.”
One by one, I hugged the Cardinals, even Cardinal Seth, then my friends. Izzy cried. Kim had a better grip on her emotions. Remy and Sykes made vows I couldn’t afford to acknowledge. I don’t remember whether I walked or teleported, but one second I was having a group hug, the next the Goddess was leading me away.
Every step that took me away from my loved ones was like a stab through my heart. I shivered even though I wasn’t cold, wept though no tear rolled down my face.
I did, but all I saw was Grampa’s face. He didn’t look sad anymore. He was smiling. Or maybe I wanted to remember him smiling.
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks go to my girls, Jeanette Whitus, Catie Vargas and Katrina Whittaker for taking time to read and give me wonderful feedback on the raw and unpolished version of this book. Your honesty, constructive comments and generosity is astounding. I couldn’t have asked for truer friends and supporters.
To my teen beta-reader, Morgan Leishman, thank you for not cursing me out when I sent you chunks and kept you waiting for the next installment. To Merab, who continues to feed me information and listen to my crazy ideas, your insight into how teens think and act are invaluable as always.
To my agent, Leticia Gomez, you are truly my champion. Your enthusiasm and ability to fight for me is humbling. To Kate Kaynak and her team of editors at Spencer Hill Press, thank you for believing in my work and investing in me. Rich Storrs, my very humble and insightful editor, we make a formidable team, don’t we? Your input always put a smile on my face. You are a funny guy. The final package would not be perfect without you.
Last, but not least, thanks to my family for their infinite patience. Your love and support means everything to me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ednah Walters grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She finished her Ph.D. in chemistry, married the love of her life, and decided to be a stay-at-home mother. She now lives in a picturesque valley in Utah with her husband, five children, and two American short-hair cats. When she is not writing, you can find her doing things with her family, reading, traveling, or online chatting with fans.
When not writing about the Guardians, Ednah writes romantic suspense under the pseudonym E. B. Walters. She has released four books in this genre. You can visit her at www.ebwalters.com.