Roses Last
"She was tired of running. Tired of being afraid. If it was over, then so be it."
Determined to escape the world's deadliest man, Salvia continues to follow James' lead. He won't tell her when, or even where their journey will end, but she's placed her trust in him. He's the only guide she has.
As they travel through the forest, James is always there, watching and protecting, as she struggles with her body's transformation. Salvia is beginning to discover what she is. Yet the more she learns about the world of power, the more Salvia refuses to accept that she belongs to it.
It's a world of violence and brutality. A world that Lowick de Montebello rules by wielding cruelty. With, or without her new power, Salvia knows she won't succeed in evading him forever.
In her heart, Salvia begins to see that she's reached a dangerous crossroads. Whatever path she chooses, there will be no undoing; except for her own.
But she must choose. Before someone else decides for her.
JAMES
James slowed the boat at the sound of snapping twigs. He breathed deeply and bolstered his shield, his eyes fixed on the moving greenery just a few paces away. His heart pounded a strong beat-preparing for battle-as a being began to emerge on the riverbank.
SALVIA
After the anger and fear would come the shame. Lowick had been able to hurt her, in part because she'd let him. So why was she so surprised that the guy she thought could be cruel and brutal, had been cruel and brutal to her?
LOWICK
It was difficult to conceive, but Lowick was beginning to see that if he let himself get distracted, he might actually lose Salvia-another player had entered the game.