Silence had fallen after the Alpha's proclamation, those on the battlements stunned that one of the creatures could actually talk, before its words began to filter through and most turned to the Champion in horror.

Jayden stared at the Alpha, at the horde behind it and felt his knees go weak. He heard the panicked whispers of the soldiers that all was lost, there was no time to evacuate. Jayden knew he would need to face the Alpha, but this was not a moment in the heat of battle, engaging the creature to save his King. This was deliberately going to his most likely brutal death, because if the Alpha didn't kill him those with it would. His breathing sounded harsh and it was all he could do to keep standing. After everything it would end here. He almost laughed; he had come home only to die. Taking as much of a calming breath as he could muster, he turned to those surrounding him. "So, can anyone think of a plan that doesn't involve me going out there?"

Trembling slightly Gawain moved to his side. "I will go in your stead."

"Not an option."

"You can't …"

"It's not an option Gawain, now what else?"

Marcus glanced at the horde in frustration. "If they attack now given the force they have, the walls will likely be breached quickly giving us little time to get everyone evacuated. We will be lucky to get half of the civilians on the ships and the rest of us …" He shook his head. "We need to distract them long enough for those who can get out to do so."

Feeling nausea rise Jayden took a steadying breath. "Alright then, we play the Archdemon's game."

"I did not mean …"

Rathnal gripped Jayden's arm. "Don't even think about going out there!"

"I don't want to, Maker, that thing practically gutted me the last time I fought it, but we need time for everyone to get on the ships. The longer I wait the more likely they will begin a large-scale attack. Give me another option and I'll take it."

Paling Rathnal loosened his grip. "I wish I had one. We should have evacuated everyone before the fighting started, it was madness to stay." He shuddered. "I should be standing with you, but I can't. As Warden Commander …"

"I know, you have other priorities. Go, I will buy you what time I can. And Rath, when you eventually face that sonofabitch, strike true."

Swallowing painfully Rathnal nodded, he wanted to say so many things and yet the words simply would not come.

Moving to Jayden's side Marcus gave him an agonised look. "Please, you can't go out there. We will think of something else!"

"You heard it, we have no defence against a force of that size and even if the walls and new gate somehow hold, the entrance to the Dwarven outpost won't. This is a distraction. Hope is the bait and while all eyes are on the fight, the Darkspawn will breach the abandoned outpost and swarm Gwaren. If you trust me in anything, trust this. But what happens now doesn't just rest with me. You will need to keep enough soldiers on the wall to make them think we are focused on the fight, or they will break through now. Whoever stays … they may not have time to get to the ships before they have to leave."

Marcus straightened. "I will see to it." They had planned for this eventuality, not that they had imagined quite this situation. They had thought to create the decoy, but the Darkspawn had got their first. "Alpha team to the wall, the rest of you to your secondary posts." He clasped Jayden's arm. "I may not be out there with you, but I will be here until the end."

"The moment I … the moment the fight is over you and whoever is here get to the docks as fast as you can. Discard your armour and swim if you have to, but escape, the people will need you and the guard." He glanced to the docks seeing the moving torches, a clear indication that the evacuation was underway.

"I wish you had come home under different circumstances." Marcus whispered.

"Tell my father and sister … tell them I love them and I'm sorry." Trying to stifle the growing panic Jayden hurried over to Alistair. "Ali, listen there are some things I need you to know. The contact I mentioned I was going to get a message to about the Magrallen is Kara, she is the leader of the Flaming Swords a mercenary company in Denerim. I mentioned your name on the letter in case anything happened to me. She will get whatever information she can. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you further with this, but she will."

Alistair shook his head. "It can't end like this."

"There is a chest in Bann Teagan's vault with scrolls, but there is also a letter for you and another item, the letter holds instructions. When the Blight is over make sure you get this immediately. Give the scrolls to Lord Darrien I think he will appreciate them."

"What is it?"

"Make sure you survive and you'll find out." He took a shuddering breath. "I know you will find Bethany and if you can tell Anders …" He squeezed his eyes shut, he couldn't fit all he wanted to say into the brief time they had, he had to trust Anders would know.

"I'm not letting you do this."

"You have your duty and I have mine. On the bright side I won't have to worry about what the Chantry are going to try and make me do anymore." He trembled at the grief Alistair couldn't hide.

"They won't make it swift." Alistair choked out desperate to make his friend stay. "The Archdemon wants you to suffer."

"I know."

Govak approached and cleared his throat. "You really going out there lad?"

Jayden met his gaze. "Certainly looks like it."

Govak generously ignored the tremble in his voice. "Right then." He handed over a bag. "Something to give those beasties a fight."

Jayden glanced at the grenades, it wouldn't be enough to save his life, but it would certainly take a few with him. "Thanks."

"I know I've been a bit harsh with you lad, it's just my way, but I reckon you're decent for a Chantry sort."

"You're not half bad yourself Master Govak." He forced a weak smile as Tolman approached feeling his distress.

"I …"

"Get your family on the ship Tolman and be safe."

"Please don't do this."

"If I don't go out there, they attack and no-one is surviving that force. I need you to get yourself and your family on a ship, now."

Lowering his voice to a whisper Tolman swallowed the lump expanding in his throat. "Your grandfather would be so proud."

xXx

Lyra had heard the orders, the secondary posts meant to get on the ships, a code in case the Darkspawn heard them, but she couldn't leave. She stared at the Alpha and then to Jayden, her blood running cold. Unable to stop herself she moved over to him and grabbed his arm. "You can't go out there!"

"What would you have me do?" He demanded, fear swarming in his gut. "People need time to evacuate."

"That doesn't mean you go out there! Just wait."

"And you think they will wait?" Jayden glanced at Gilon who was watching them, a pained expression on his face. "Go back to your husband Lyra." He stated softly. "Get on a ship and get out of here. Live the life we couldn't have together."

Tears blurring her vision, Lyra realised she was trembling. She understood duty, she had her own, but this was madness. "Find another way." She pleaded.

"I wish I could. Goodbye Lyra." Turning sharply, terrified that if he stayed in her presence any longer, he wouldn't be able to leave, he hurried down the stairs to the gates, startled when Tolband and Rumold moved to his side.

"You will not be alone." Rumold stated.

He shook his head as Zevran, Dylan, Reece, Matthew and Gawain joined them. "No, you will all go and get on your assigned ship."

"We stand with you." Zevran stated firmly, despite the terror constricting his chest.

"The Wardens need you; they need your skills for what lies ahead. You have to survive this, do you understand?"

Frowning Zevran cursed beneath his breath, but handed him a dagger. "My most lethal poison coats the blade. Move as swiftly as I know you can and strike fast and true."

"Thank you." Glancing to Airyl he knelt down. "Stay with Zevran and the others." He winced at her growl. "I don't want you to die." He whispered tears burning his eyes. Swallowing hard as she rubbed her head against him, he nodded. "Together then." Clenching his fists to try and stop their tremble he signalled to the guards who reluctantly opened the gates. Stepping outside, Airyl and the golems with him, he hissed in anger as Gawain slipped through the gates just before they closed.

"I will not leave your side again!"

"Gawain!"

"Never again!"

Sighing Jayden nodded, it took every ounce of his courage and willpower to keep walking, not resisting as Gawain took the pack Govak had given him.

Unsheathing the stolen blades the Alpha watched Jayden approach, feeling murderous rage fill him. Never had his prey escaped and he would make sure the human did not survive this time. The Archdemon wanted him to feel maximum pain and he would be happy to ensure it.

"You shouldn't be here." Jayden whispered to those with him sure his legs would give out before he was anywhere near the Alpha.

"This is exactly where we should be." Gawain stated firmly though he felt sick to his stomach. "By your side."

"You should be on the ship; our people need all of you."

"They need you and yet here we are." Rumold stated.

Jayden glanced at those with him feeling his heart ache. "Thank you for staying with me."

Gawain turned and met his anxious gaze. "I swore to protect you, if you decided to walk into the Void I would be at your side."

"I think I would take the Void over this, but I just have to make this last long enough for everyone to get to the ships. I … I can do that."

"Why is that thing looking at your hands?" Gawain whispered, looking unnerved.

Jayden's steps faltered. "Because he's going to take them." His voice trembled and he wasn't sure he could move again. "If I have no hands, I can't wield a sword." While that was true, he knew there was a larger significance, the Alpha intended to take him apart a piece at a time as the Archdemon would have done, as the emperor would have done. He wondered then if his life would always have brought him to this end and wondered what he had done to warrant such a cruel death. Steeling himself he started moving again, praying what they did now would give everyone enough time to get on the ships. As they approached the Alpha, Jayden pulled on everything Warin had taught him just to keep his face neutral. He was still unnerved when it sniffed the air.

"I … smell … your fear." It rasped.

"Well, you do have an army behind you." Jayden bit back, drawing on every ounce of anger he had. He forced himself to think about the future of coming home that he had longed for, of the families that were being ripped from their homes and livelihoods and his anger burned.

The Alpha licked his lips as he looked him over. "I will … feast … on you." It glanced at the golems as they took a step forward. "Interfere … and … Gwaren falls."

Jayden forced himself to take a step forward. "I had hoped you were dead."

"You … will … be."

The Alpha struck first, the blade meant to cleave off his sword arm and would have if Jayden had remained where he had been standing, but he had slipped out of reach, parrying the second blow and forcing the Alpha to take a step back with a lunge of his own. He called on his training, every trick he had ever been shown by Gawain, Warin, Leliana and Isabela, every technique he had seen from his fellow soldiers and the Wardens and brought it all into that moment. He dodged, struck and dodged again. While the Alpha was stronger, he was more agile, but the Alpha's attacks were brutal and effective at draining his energy. He heard Airyl growl and from the corner of his eye he saw her leap, but it was not the Alpha she was attacking, but a huge blighted wolf that had moved towards them. Anger roared through him, muscles burning with exertion. He dodged another blow feeling the frustration of the Alpha growing. He pushed harder hoping it would make a mistake before he did.

xXx

Rathnal paled as they reached the docks. "Why are all the ships still here?" He demanded of the Dock Master.

"Tides against us." He muttered darkly.

Dylan glanced at Reece and Matthew.

"Do what you can." Matthew urged. "We need to get these people out of here now."

"You better go and tell them to get ready then." Reece stated. "Or it will be chaos."

Matthew ran to the first ship The Valour, Rathnal to Spring Tides and Alistair to The Destiny.

Seeing his grandfather was safely on board, Rathnal hugged him fiercely before racing over to the captain and telling him of the Enchanters plan.

Moments later the captains were yelling orders as the wind began to pick up and the sails began to ripple.

Dylan and Reece concentrated on The Valour as that was the easiest to get out and would clear the way for the others, even so neither enchanter had ever attempted anything like this and they were both terrified of damaging the ship. Reece kept the wind gentle and steady while Dylan concentrated on influencing the water surrounding the ships, the pair trying not to panic and think about the horde that could descend on them at any moment. As soon as the ship was out of the dock Dylan concentrated on Spring Tides while Reece continued to push out The Valour until he saw the signal that the ship no longer needed magical support. Already feeling exhausted with the tension and concentration of the spell Reece hurried to join Dylan. He again took over pushing the ship out to deeper waters as Dylan concentrated on The Destiny. The ship was in a trickier position and everyone held their breath as the ship scraped against the dock before being pushed away. There was no time to check for damage and they just had to hope if there was any it would be minimal. Both enchanters were sweat soaked and trembling by the time the three ships had made it to deeper water and what they hoped was a safe distance.

Matthew urged Dylan and Reece to get on The Dawn. "You are going to have to get us out of here fast when the remaining soldiers get to us."

Dylan reluctantly got on the ship. He had no desire to be on the other side of the wall, but his friend was out there and he felt sick with guilt that he wasn't there to at least try and help.

Alistair paced the dock wondering about the item Jayden had made him promise to retrieve and what he had already begun in the attempt to rescue his father. He sank to his knees and began praying. "Holy Andraste, I once offered my life in service to you. I will do anything you ask, but get Will out of this I'm begging you. We need him. I need him." He glanced to his left as Rathnal knelt beside him.

"Couldn't hurt, right." Rathnal whispered.

xXx

The Alpha roared in pain as a blade bit into its arm and it staggered back. It gave Jayden a brief moment to look for Airyl seeing her rip the throat out of the blighted wolf, before he was running at the Alpha raising his sword to take the blow that would remove its head, only to be thrown back with a blast of magic. Groaning in pain Jayden struggled to his feet, seeing the Emissary, shrieks and ogres drawing closer. He realised Gawain, Tolband and Rumold were moving to his side.

"For Gwaren." Gawain snarled.

Giving a roar of fury Jayden raced towards the Alpha a second blast of magic driving him back and to his knees. He clutched his chest, clawing at his throat gasping for breath. Gawain was pulling him back and through blurring vision he saw a huge rock hit the Emissary pulverising it and the constriction at his throat stopped. He glanced at Rumold almost smiling before the Alpha gave a furious roar, Hurlock's surging forward.

Gawain's eyes widened as earth sprayed into the air and roots formed a barrier between them wrapping around the Hurlock's and dragging them into the earth. He stared in awe as the edge of the forest to the north seemed to come to life, walking trees waded into the gathered horde, branches lashing down sending Darkspawn flying.

The Alpha turned in confusion at the sound of battle behind it, unable to fully comprehend their strange new enemy. Misshapen bark seemed to lend the appearance of faces on the trunks of the huge trees as they swatted the Darkspawn surrounding them. His furious gaze locked on one tree, its branches having pierced through the chests of several Darkspawn who were now dangling in the air, their thrashing becoming weak as the face on the bark disappeared, only to reappear further around the trunk sending branches lashing into the Shriek that was approaching, the creatures scream having no effect on the Sylvan who simply crushed it beneath a thick branch. He felt triumph as the Hurlock's managed to topple it to the ground.

Rage flowing through the Sylvan, its branches became more flexible wrapping around the Darkspawn that swarmed around it holding them fast as it burst into flames. The rage demon within howled in triumph as it was finally released from its previously semi-dormant state, sending more branches reaching out and grabbing Darkspawn, dragging them into its burning core. The demon relished the screams of the Darkspawn even as they tore into it, in that moment it remembered the peace of the spirit it had once been, before corruption had twisted it to rage and it felt only relief as its end had finally come. The tree became rigid, still holding fast those in its grasp, surrounded by Darkspawn bodies. It was the same across the battlefield. The Sylvan were far less in number, but they tore into the ranks of the Darkspawn, destroying any who moved within their reach.

The Alpha turned back to Jayden snarling in fury, he would not fail a second time. He raced towards his prey, two of the ogres and several Hurlock's thundering past him, dodging the roots that shot out towards them and cutting him a path. The ogres slammed into the golems as the Hurlock's concentrated on the wolf and the other human, they knew not to touch the Champion. With a roar the Alpha leapt towards Jayden, slamming into him and sending them to the ground. His weapons had fallen from his hands, but he didn't need them, driving his fists against armour and flesh in a frenzy of bloodlust, barely registering the ferocity of the counterblows.

Thrown to the ground Rumold felt the crystal in his chest shatter beneath the terrible blows of the ogre, wrapping his stone arms around the creature and crushing it against him, a large crystal shard piercing the thick skin of the ogre and driving into its heart. Rumold kept it in a crushing embrace until he felt its ribs shatter before pushing it off, standing and driving his leg down with force, the skull shattering. He turned, seeing his beloved tear the head off the ogre who had attacked her. He ached for the days they had been truly alive, catching her look and nodding, grabbing a Hurlock Gawain was racing after and tearing it apart. Seeing Airyl dragging a Hurlock around by its throat he turned looking for Jayden.

Pain like fire flared in his gut and the Alpha glanced down at the dagger driven into the hilt. He felt his prey's struggles beneath him and as hate coursed through him he pulled free the dagger, driving it down into Jayden's shoulder, relishing the screams as he twisted the blade. Pulling out the dagger the Alpha moved to strike again, snarling as his prey twisted and managed to throw him off balance enough for him to wriggle free. The burning in his gut was spreading and though he staggered to his feet the ground seemed to shift beneath him before he realised it actually was, as roots wrapped around his legs and body and the earth opened up and dragged him down. He howled in fury at being denied his victory, thrashing wildly, slashing at the roots with Zevran's dagger. Then he felt his Master's call giving him strength. He kicked off the last of the roots beginning the climb back towards the surface only for the call to flow through him with new orders. For a moment the Alpha hesitated, wanting to feed on the Champion's flesh, but the call was stronger and he surrendered to it as he knew he must.

"No!" Jayden roared in frustration realising the Alpha was gone beyond his reach. In his heart he knew the creature would survive. He turned sharply as Gawain grabbed his arm.

"We have to go; we still have a chance to get out of here with our lives!"

Tolband gestured to the pack Gawain was carrying. "Now might be the time to use those."

The initial explosion knocked even the golems to the ground, the ones that followed causing chaos and destruction in the Darkspawn that were trying to escape the enraged Sylvans.

Gawain got Jayden back onto his feet glancing fearfully at the wound before they were all running.

"Open the gates!" Captain Marcus roared, hurrying down to them himself.

Gawain glanced back seeing a huge tree and an ogre battling, branches cracking and snapping beneath the ogre's brute force and then suddenly the tree was aflame, the ogre screaming and trying to back away, held fast by the roots trapping it. Racing through the barrier doors they caught a last glimpse of the fighting before they slammed shut.

They turned at the sound of a high-pitched whistle, the sky lit with a red flash.

"Sweet Maker, they are breaking through the old outpost!" Marcus cried. "Everyone, retreat to the ship. Now!" He roared his orders again as the soldiers on the battlements hesitated to move, enthralled by the battle between the Sylvan and the Darkspawn.

xXx

Pulling Alistair to his feet, Rathnal pushed him onto the ship; they were out of time, grateful the other three ships were so far out now, the Darkspawn had no chance of reaching them. They watched as soldiers raced through the streets of Gwaren desperate to reach the ship in time, not knowing that without the enchanters the ship was going no-where and they weren't leaving until everyone was on board. "I don't believe it!" Rathnal gasped seeing the small group just ahead of the soldiers. There was no mistaking the golems or Airyl. "How in the Void!" He leapt off the ship, Alistair a step behind him and raced to meet them realising Gawain was holding onto Jayden who was clutching his shoulder, blood covering his hand. They reached them as Jayden's legs gave way seeing the mess the Alpha had made of his shoulder.

"We've got you." Rathnal soothed as Jayden groaned in pain as they got him back on his feet and helped him onto the ship. "How did you get away?"

"Fighting trees." Jayden mumbled, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.

"It's true." Gawain stated at their disbelieving looks. "The damn forest came to life."

xXx

As the last soldier boarded Dylan and Reece downed mana potions and concentrated on guiding the ship out of the dock, and towards deeper water. The lyrium gave them the focus they needed, but both knew it would be short lived and they would pay for it.

Gritting his teeth as Rathnal and Alistair eased off his armour, Jayden groaned in pain as Matthew carefully started to clean the vicious wound, the other cuts and bruising could wait.

Gawain glanced anxiously at Zevran. "The wound was caused by your blade after he had used it on the Alpha." He tried to ignore the increased tension and anxiety.

"There is no way Dylan or Reece will be able to deal with this right now." Matthew stated. "The best we can do is cauterise it and strap it up until they replenish their mana."

"What if there was still some trace of the poison on the blade?" Gawain demanded.

Moving swiftly Zevran began pulling vials and powders from the pouches at his belt. "Do what you can to stop the bleeding, I will prepare the antidote."

Gritting his teeth as Alistair and Rathnal held him, Jayden glanced at Matthew who winced apologetically as he applied the powder that would cauterise the wound. Feeling faint, Jayden felt Alistair steady him as he struggled to control the nausea. He tried to remain silent as Zevran applied to the wound a vile smelling substance that felt as though it was burning through him, grimacing as he drank the antidote Zevran gave him while the wound was dressed and his arm strapped to his chest. He didn't notice the worried looks Rathnal was giving him, having no idea his friend was praying the Alpha's blood that had likely been on the blade would not affect him.

xXx

The crew and passengers of The Dawn watched in growing horror as the tide of Darkspawn washed over Gwaren and they still kept coming out of the abandoned dwarven outpost.

Govak glared as his workshop exploded, having rigged it to cause damage to the Darkspawn, but his eyes widened as the flames rushed skyward before raining down on the buildings next to it. They heard the terrible screams of the Darkspawn as the flames engulfed them. Govak glanced at his men, none of them had expected so much damage, realising some of the vials of his special fire had clearly been left behind. The fire flowed through Gwaren consuming homes, business and Darkspawn. He glanced up as Marcus joined him.

"The Darkspawn would have destroyed it all, at least this way they are paying for it."

Rathnal gripped the rail as the flames raced towards the Alienage, his knuckles turning white as the homes began to burn, feeling sick as the flames leapt towards the Vhenadahl. The tree of their people, the one solid link to the elves of legend began to burn as everything else was. He felt Alistair's hand on his shoulder squeezing gently. He felt his knees go weak wishing he was on the same ship as his grandfather, grateful the other ships were far enough away they would see the explosions but little else.

The fire continued to spread; the roar of the flames joined by the crashing noises of buildings caving in. The Darkspawn had stopped coming out of the outpost, whether their numbers had run out or whether survival instinct had kicked in, those watching had no way to tell.

Heart lurching Jayden realised the flames were heading straight to the memorial garden. Billowing smoke obscured his view, but moments later he saw the fire reach his home. He felt blood well in his mouth realising he was biting his lip hard to prevent himself from crying out.

"The general is going to kill me." Govak whispered, his voice trembling.

xXx

Tolman gently held Petra as she wept softly, Alena mercifully asleep in her arms, her siblings standing near them with his own sister and her family. He was grateful their ship had been far enough away that they could not see the destruction in detail.

"We had such a beautiful home, such a wonderful life."

"The Alienage in Highever is said to be of good condition."

"But not like Gwaren. I don't want our daughter to know how awful the Alienages can be."

Tolman hugged her a little tighter. "All will be well, you'll see." He felt tears burn for his family, for their home and for Jayden who had given his life to give them a chance to save theirs.

xXx

Lyra snuggled in Gilon's arms pale and heartsore. "I just left him."

"We had no choice, sweetheart."

"Why did he have to become a soldier!" She shuddered, choking back a sob as Gilon remained silent, they both knew why he had made that choice. "I never imagined we would have to leave."

"We will have a new home Lyra, a fresh start." He closed his eyes, guilt almost choking him at the presence of relief, tempered though it was by the awful events, that wherever their new home was it would be without the temptation of her first love.

xXx

Rathnal, Jayden and Alistair kept their post until Gwaren was a speck in the distance. Rathnal was the first to turn away. "Maybe the flames will prevent the spread of the blight. Most of those within the walls would have been killed by the fire."

"If they really want to destroy Gwaren they will just wait until the flames burn themselves out and then …" Alistair fell silent as his two friends looked at him. "Sorry."

"Ali's right." Jayden stated glancing back. "We both know he wants it destroyed. He will make sure there is nothing left." Sighing reluctantly Jayden searched the deck for Captain Marcus seeing him talking to the ship's captain. "I better let the General and Queen know what's happened."

"Let Marcus do it." Alistair urged. "You need to rest."

"No, this is my responsibility, I can rest later." He hesitated as Rathnal gently gripped his uninjured shoulder.

"Just remember everyone got out. I count that a victory."

xXx

Sitting on the edge of the bunk Jayden ran his fingers through his hair and sighed deeply, staring at the crystal trying to think what to say, but he couldn't form coherent thoughts let alone words, feeling foggy with pain, blood loss and the effects of the poison. Closing his eyes he bowed his head, seeing the destruction of Gwaren play out in his mind. Forcing himself to activate the crystal he settled in to wait as a messenger was sent to find the General and Queen. Exhaustion crept up on him and he was starting to doze when he heard Anora's voice, forcing himself to sit up.

"What has happened?"

"Gwaren is lost. It is overrun with Darkspawn and what they aren't destroying, Govak's fire is."

Anora felt her heart sink glancing at her father whose expression darkened. "Our people?"

"All evacuated onto the ships."

"That is something at least." They had been updated on the losses in the previous fighting and it was a relief to know at least for now there would be no more.

"What kind of force did they have?" Loghain demanded, paling as Jayden outlined the situation they had faced.

Anora felt her heart sink, listening as the words tumbled from her brother's lips in a guilt and grief fueled wave. She could barely breathe as the reality crashed into her that her childhood home had been destroyed, before she realised Jayden was talking about the Alpha and its challenge.

"And of course, you went out there." Loghain muttered, having gripped Anora's hand to prevent her tirade.

"If there had been another option, I would have taken it, believe me. As a soldier I have accepted death may be the price I pay, but that Alpha would have made it …" He shuddered.

"Do you think it survived?"

"I can't afford the luxury of assuming it didn't. What is happening regarding preparations for the evacuation of Denerim?"

"It is in hand brother, that is not something you need to worry about. Try to get some rest, you are safe as you can be for now." She sighed softly. "I … I wish we had believed you."

Jayden closed his eyes. "Maybe it wouldn't have made any difference if you had."

xXx

Authors Note: Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed.