Page 64 of A Silence So Divine

Chatter grows louder, and I watch as doubt slips from faces, determination taking its place.

“We’ll vote,” Veda calls out, silencing the crowd. “Those in favor of joining Cecil, raise your hand.”

Creed leaps from the picnic table, jutting his arm into the air. No one matches his enthusiasm, but more and more hands stretch toward the night sky. Veda scans the crowd, too, mouthing the numbers as she counts.

My aortas might implode. This has the potential to change everything—for the better, or worse.

Veda’s lips twitch with the hint of a smile.

“21-19. We fight,” she announces. There are outbursts of anger, but I can’t find it in myself to care.

Her eyes meet mine. “Looks like fate was on your side.”

It’s nearly midnight when I make my way to collect Eden.

I spoke to Veda and the other “leader”, Garreth, about the plan moving forward. The three of us decided that combat training should begin sooner rather than later. Being familiar with a gun isn’t going to cut it, especially with how significantly the Brothers outnumber us.

To my surprise, Sylvie stayed at my hip, though she didn’t offer much help. All of her opinions came in the form of scoffs or sighs.

Now, she follows me to the RV, looping her arm through mine.

“You could stay the night, you know,” she suggests. Halting in my tracks, I spin to face her. I know exactly what she’s getting at, and I’m more than a little irritated.

“After the shit you pulled back there? Not likely,” I scoff. Pulling my arm from hers, I continue my way to the door. She races to get ahead, stepping into my path. Digging my thumb and forefinger into the sides of my nose, I let out a groan.

“Do you even care if you die?” Sylvie shouts.

Shushing her, I place a finger over my lips. “Jesus Christ, what are you getting on about?”

Her black hair shines in the moonlight, reflecting a silver glow. It reminds me of Eden’s eyes.

I quickly avert my thoughts.

“Every decision you make, it’s like you’re taunting death. Working for the Divine, working forus, planning a battle…” Her eyes narrow with accusation. “And that girl. What were you thinking?”

It’s almost flattering that she’s worried about my life. Unfortunately, her shitty attitude ruins the sentiment.

“I was thinking that our sole purpose for being here, doingthis, is to save those who can’t save themselves,” I snap, stepping closer until I’m peering down my nose at her. Never one to cower, she raises her chin.

“Is she really worth it?” A hint of insecurity infiltrates her words. I deflate.

“I’m tired, Sylvie, okay? We can talk about this when I come back.”

“And when will that be?”

“Soon,” I mutter, looking back towards the truck where Creed rests with his head pressed to the window. “There’s much to do.”

Appeased for now, her expression becomes calm, light. She’s gorgeous this way, but I see it less and less these days. It’s always anger, or disappointment, or loathing.

Things between us have always been a means to an end. Neither of us care for a relationship considering all the other shit there is to deal with, and I wouldn't call what I feel for herlove. I respect her, and I care about her. But love… I’m not sure I’m capable of such a thing. She knows that, too, as we’ve discussed it countless times. She was always quick to agree, stating that I’m too cold to be her type. It never offended me, because it’s the truth.

That being said, it’s clear that she holds me to expectations I’ve never agreed to.

“Fine, but if you disappear for two weeks again, I’ll send out a search party just so I can castrate you.” She flashes her perfectly aligned teeth, and for a brief moment, I think about an imperfect smile. A crooked tooth.

She raises to her tiptoes, pressing a quick kiss to my mouth, and it takes everything in me not to recoil.

When we step into the RV, Eden is curled up on the couch. Fast asleep, her hands are tucked under her cheek, lips parted. It’s the first time in days that I’ve seen her look at peace.