Great Falls Rogue: Power of Five Book 6 by Lidell Alex

Author:Lidell, Alex
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Danger Bearing Press
Published: 2020-02-20T16:00:00+00:00

12

Coal

Coal crossed the Academy grounds blindly, unaware of cadets’ wide eyes as he passed, of anything but where he was going. She knew. However it happened, Lera saw the jagged, shattered pieces of Coal’s soul—and found them as vile and pathetic as he did. The nightmares that were getting worse, the darkness ratcheting tighter around Coal’s neck each day. He could barely look at his own reflection nowadays, knowing his memories had somehow been laid open for Lera to sort through… Coal had barely made it out of the cadets’ barracks before losing what little food his stomach held.

Even if Coal stayed away from Leralynn completely, transferred the girl to another class, and never ever crossed paths, the truth would still saturate the air. He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t face Lera again. Worse still, if that strange bridge between them reopened again, the darkness haunting Coal might assault Lera as well.

A rabid dog, one of the guards had called Coal. How very accurate.

Opening the keep door, he took the keep stairs toward River’s study, two at a time—only to find the man descending the steps.

“Coal?” Stopping on a wide landing with a window overlooking the courtyard below, River arched a dark brow. With his arms behind his back, he made the weight resting on his shoulders seem easy to carry—though the fatigue lining his eyes spoke the truth. Well, at least Coal would shortly be getting rid of one of River’s problems.

“I wished to give you a chance to rip into me properly over yesterday.” Coal slid his hands into his pockets. “I will be leaving after that.”

River pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ve been unable to find Shade for the past bloody day, and you’ve managed to both corner him and somehow wring a clearance to return to active duty from his jaws?”

“No. But I am resigning my commission. You are within your rights to have me arrested over a number of charges by now, but whether I leave in shackles or free, I will be off the grounds by nightfall.”

River surveyed Coal with opaque gray eyes that gave no hint of his thoughts.

A tight band closed around Coal’s chest, the passing heartbeats sounding louder and louder in the heavy silence. Coal had served under River and Shade for as long as he could remember, and the thought of breaking all ties with the men cut as sharp as a blade.

“I will consider your resignation and let you know my decision by nightfall,” River said finally, as if discussing a proposed change of vendor for cleaning oils. Perhaps he had been waiting for this awhile now. Hoping Coal would realize the toxic effect he had. Straightening his already neat coat, River started down the steps. “Meanwhile, I am on my way to discuss Leralynn’s unintended overnight captivity with Master Han, whom I’d expected to release her. You may join me if you wish.”

“Who the bloody hell is Han?” Coal asked, falling in step.

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