Page 115 of Us Defiant Few

Khalani’s fingers trembled as Serene squeezed the fabric of her shirt, holding fast when her knees felt like crashing to the ground.

Serene pulled away and turned to face Takeshi. He didn’t speak, but he narrowed his gaze.

“Now that we know we’re going to fight, can I use your gun?” Serene asked.

“You know damn well the only man who’s ever going to give you a gun is me,” Brock hissed and stepped forward.

Serene rolled her eyes, but the faintest smile tugged on her lips.

Brock glanced at Takeshi. “Sorry for punching you in the face earlier.”

“You’re lucky it was three on one.” Takeshi’s voice was cold, but he looked at Brock like he didn’t mind his presence anymore.

“Rematch after we kill the Sinners?”

Takeshi gave a predatory nod.

“So, you’ll really help us? All of you?” Penny asked, her hands clenched together, the infectious tendrils of hope entering her eyes for what may have been the first time in years.

“We’re kind of a package deal, lady.” Adan spoke, throwing his arm around Khalani’s shoulder. “If one of us fights, we’ll all be there at the end.”

28

I unleash the same devastation that forged me.

Khalani stared up at the full moon, wondering if it knew of the violence that would soon spill beneath its watch.

She rubbed her shaky fingers along her arms as a cool breeze cut through her black garments. Khalani kept the cloak over her head, the smallest way she could hide from the world before it judged her darkest deeds.

Even though she firmly believed helping Desert Spring was the right choice, her limbs coiled with unease. Her gaze flickered up the stone wall, to the warriors keeping watch. They couldn’t afford to bring everyone down and raise Ansel’s suspicions.

For their plan to work, they needed all the Sinners to coalesce inside Desert Spring.

She swallowed, watching the few individuals who knew they’d likely die that night. But every one of them volunteered for the job, sacrificing themselves so their loved ones would survive.

But if she failed in her task, their bravery would be for nothing.

Another onslaught of pain struck her head, and she winced, her shoulders caving in.

No. Not again.

Governor Huxley appeared in front of her. She gripped her forehead, trying to dispel the vision, but he grinned.

“You’re choosing the lives of clones over humans. Are you sure that’s the right decision?” he asked.

Khalani shook her head, trying to ignore his sick voice.

The Governor tutted and took a step closer. “You think you’re against me, but what if killing the Sinners is what I want to happen?”

“Leave me alone!

“Kanes.”

The vision of the Governor disappeared.

Khalani turned, her chest heaving as Takeshi emerged from the shadows.

His all-black guard uniform hugged his corded muscles, with two guns strapped to his side and countless blades clipped beneath his vest. He strode forward with unyielding purpose, his gaze shifting from the closed gate to her.