Chapter 71 Harper
Harper
When Carter said “Together,” it wasn’t just a word. It was a door opening.
For so long I’d been on the outside of his world, tucked into shadows while he fought battles with blood and steel. And I’d told myself that was love—letting him carry it, letting myself be protected. But now, standing here with my hand locked in his, I understood something truer.
Love wasn’t hiding. Love was standing in the fire, side by side.
River shifted the map toward me without hesitation, like I’d always had a seat at the table. Gideon gave a short nod, not dismissive, not pitying—respectful. Even Cyclone, rough as he was, muttered, “Guess we’re five strong now.”
It should’ve terrified me. And in a way, it did. My stomach twisted, my chest tight, because this wasn’t a game. My name was still out there, painted on lists I hadn’t asked for, hunted by men I’d never seen.
But when I looked at Carter, the fear didn’t own me. His eyes—storm-dark, unyielding—were steady on mine, as though every word they spoke around this table was anchored to the vow he’d made: I wouldn’t face this alone.
I pulled in a shaky breath and slid my hand from his to rest on the map. “If my name is the reason this war is burning, then I’m not going to pretend it isn’t. I need to know what’s next. All of it.”
The room went quiet for a beat, waiting for Carter.
He didn’t argue. He didn’t try to soften it. He just inclined his head, voice rough but sure. “Then you’ll hear everything. No filters.”
A mix of pride and fear twisted inside me. This was what I’d wanted, but now that it was here, the weight of it pressed heavy on my chest.
Still—I didn’t look away.
Because if I was marked, if the world was hunting me, then I’d meet it head-on.
Not just with Carter shielding me. With Carter beside me.