Luna. Chapter 155

Lyra's POV

Three days later, we were saying goodbye to Kael at the entrance to the secret passage Cordelia had told us about. It was hidden behind a false wall in the basement of an abandoned house two miles from our home.

"You sure this thing leads where she says it does?" Kael asked, shining his flashlight into the darkness.

"Cordelia's never lied to us before."

"There's a first time for everything."

"She's risking her life to help us. The least we can do is trust her."

He nodded, but I could see the worry in his eyes. Not about the passage, but about leaving us.

"The twins know what to do if something goes wrong?"

"They know. And Asher has the emergency protocols memorized."

"And you'll check in with Cordelia every twelve hours?"

"Every twelve hours. Using the code words she gave us."

"And if you don't hear from me within forty-eight hours..."

"I contact Marcus and get out of town. I know, Kael. We've been over this a dozen times."

He cupped my face in his hands. "I hate leaving you."

"I hate you leaving too. But this is our best shot at getting ahead of the king."

"I'll be back in a week. Two weeks at most."

"You better be. I'm not planning a wedding by myself."

That got a smile out of him. "What kind of flowers do you want?"

"Are we really talking about flowers right now?"

"I want to give you something to look forward to."

"I'm looking forward to you coming home safe."

"Besides that."

I thought for a moment. "Wildflowers. Nothing too fancy."

"Wildflowers it is."

He kissed me one more time, long and deep.

"I love you," he whispered against my lips.

"I love you too. Now go before I change my mind and tie you to the bed."

"Don't tempt me."

I watched him disappear into the passage, then sealed it back up the way Cordelia had shown me. The false wall slid back into place perfectly.

Walking back to the house alone felt wrong. Everything felt wrong when Kael wasn't with me.

But this was necessary. We needed information if we were going to win this war.

Asher was waiting for me when I got home.

"Is Dad gone?"

"He's gone."

"When's he coming back?"

"Soon, baby. Soon."

"Are you scared?"

I looked down at my son, this brave little boy who'd been through so much already.

"A little bit. But I'm also proud."

"Proud of what?"

"Proud of your dad for being brave enough to do what needs to be done. And proud of you for being so strong."

"I don't feel strong."

"The strongest people usually don't."

He hugged me tight. "I miss him already."

"Me too."