Page 124 of Ember Rising

She walks around the body of the dead guard on her way to the door and then looks back at us. “Three minutes. I mean it.”

I nod. “Thank you.”

As soon as she closes the door behind her, I fly at Mae. She stands up just as I reach her and we embrace. I didn’t want to waste our precious time crying, but I can’t help it.

“Oh, Briar.” She hugs me tightly. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I came for you.”

“I thought you were dead.” Her voice is clogged with tears.

“I thought you were, too ... Mom and Dad are gone.”

“I know. I miss all of you so much.” She pulls back, putting her hands on my shoulders. “But you can’t be here. You have to get out of Carson City.”

“I’m getting you out. You and your babies.”

She blanches. “No.”

I wipe my tears away. “I know you think I can’t, but ... I have so much to tell you. I’m working with the ILF and if you’ll plant this device—” I reach into my pocket, but she covers my hand with hers.

“No.” She sounds almost angry. “I’m not planting anything and I’m not leaving. You have to go. I love you, but you can’t be here.”

Fresh tears spring to my eyes. “I know what he’s doing to you. It’s my fault. He made you marry him to punish me.”

“Briar, no.”

“I can keep you safe. We can. It’s not just me. We’ll bring your⁠—”

“Listen to me. Stop talking and listen. I don’t want to leave. I’m staying. This is my home and my life.”

My heart drops to the floor. “No. It doesn’t have to be. Lochlan is a fucking madman. I’m not leaving you with him.”

“I’m choosing it.” Her eyes are wide and pleading. “For your safety, and mine and my children’s, do not come back here. Do you understand? Leave Carson City and get as far away as you can. Tell me you understand.”

I gape at her, stunned. “You don’t mean that. Is someone listening?”

“No one’s listening. Now leave. Get out of here while you still can.”

She tries to push me toward the door I entered through. I dig my feet in, refusing.

“What’s happening? I went through hell to get here. Tell me what’s going on.”

She drops her brows. “I have. More than once. Now get out, Briar. I love you, and I hope one day we see each other again. But I’m not leaving my life.”

My tears blur my vision, distorting her face. “Mae, no. This place goes against everything Mom and Dad believe in. What we believe in. Do you know what’s going on here?”

She shoves me toward the door so hard I stumble. “My eyes are wide open. Now get out. I’ve got a dead guard to explain already; I can’t have anyone finding you in here. Go.”

I’ve never heard her be so cold and harsh. This can’t be real.

In front of the door, she puts her hands on my shoulders. “You’re getting the fuck out of here. And you’re never coming back. Say it.”

“I ...”

“Say it.” She digs her nails into my shoulders.

“I’m leaving and never coming back,” I mumble, my hand on the doorknob.