Chapter 54
“You’re sure you won’t join us?” Gideon asked as they walked along Bedwyck’s East Docks.
A warm breeze whipped Marlow’s hair, and she looked out at the dark water of the shipless bay. The sound of seagulls overhead cut through the peaceful rhythmic sloshing of the water against the dock pilings. Smoke from the foundries had stopped, the shop windows dark and boarded up.
Gideon and the others had held out longer than most, but Marlow knew this was for the best. There was nothing left for them in Bedwyck. He and Felix had burned down most of Ashcroft’s businesses and warehouses in the city, and the rest had been emptied and shuttered.
“We’re good here,” Felix answered with a shrug, his hands buried in his pockets. “At least for now.”
They’d considered leaving with them, back when Gideon first asked, but with both Ashcroft and the aesran vying for their heads, it would put the others at risk. They deserved a fresh start, without the hell she and Felix would bring with them.
Felix had tried to convince her to go without him.
But she’d always been stubborn, and after a few attempts, he’d given up trying.
She wasn’t leaving him here. He was her family.
Plus, her face was plastered all over, too.
She’d been part of the uprising in Fallowmoor.
They’d execute her just as fast as they would him.
No, they were all better off this way.
The creatures were still popping up across the city, but it wasn’t anything she and Felix couldn’t handle. Together.
“You ever need anything,” Gideon said, slowing to a stop before turning to face them, “you come find us, yeah? We’ll have the resistance rebuilt in a few months.”
Felix nodded once.
Marlow knew it wouldn’t be that easy. Especially not in a small town like Haverglen.
Raesarinn had said it had taken nearly a decade to build their numbers before.
But the tear wouldn’t be there forever. Someone would find a way to stop it.
When that happened, she’d return to Fallowmoor and pick up where Raesarinn left off.
They’d work on taking back Atheran, and this time, she wouldn’t have to hide it from Felix.
Until then, she was grateful the others had Gideon watching out for them. He’d keep them safe.
Gideon threw his arms wide, pulling them both in for a hug. “You’re good kids. Mind yourselves now, alright?”
“You too,” Marlow said with a smile.
“And stay out of trouble,” he added.
Felix pulled back and frowned. “Now, you know that’s unlikely.”
Gideon flashed a bright grin, then turned and walked down the street to join the others.