Deciding Skies (Fate's Intent Book 2) (32 page)

Kathryn led us over several more rooftops and across various gaps. The commotion on the ground started to rise and everyone was being informed to keep their eyes open. We had to do things carefully now.

“All right, it’s right there.” Kathryn said. “We have to get down and casually walk to it like we’re not trying to get away. Got it? There’s four of us. Their looking for three. Ruby keep your hood up.”

She nodded and we started to climb down off of the low roof to the ground.

We made it to the first set of gates undisturbed and walked normally to the second gate, a mile out.

“Why are you helping us, Kathryn?” Adele asked.

“Izin didn’t want this. He was giving you freedom and requested that I stay back this time to make sure you get it.”

“Well, we thank you.”

That was all that was said during the walk until we made it out the outer gates and moved swiftly to the west corner where we could see the path home.

“This is where we part.” Kathryn said. “Use the cover of darkness to head west. I’ll make the distraction so no one sees you.”

“Thank you, Kathryn or whoever you really are.” Adele replied.

Kathryn smiled. “You may hear about that one day when we meet again. Now, go. Safety is that way. You will see them again.”

I wanted to believe. No. I wanted to go back and see Troy now but Adele wouldn’t have it. She took my hand and led me up the hill a distance away.

This was it. I turned back one last time. The full city was in view. It looked beautiful but I didn’t enjoy any of it. “I can’t leave him here.”

“We’ll have to.” Adele said.

Tears formed in my eyes when I heard Troy’s voice in my mind. “We’ll meet again. I promise—I love you.”

“I love you too.” I muttered it as if he were really standing here with me. It may have been childish but pretending was all I had.

“Come on, Jaylyn.” Adele took my arm and finally broke my stare. “Home awaits.”

She was right. We couldn’t stay here. I knew that and I had no choice but to let her pull me west, farther away from the city and into the darkness towards freedom but I wasn’t free. Not without Troy.

Coming Soon . . .

The Third Installment

Of The
Fate’s Intent
Series

Endless Night