A/N: This is gonna be a special one. This chapter is about Lily. ^_^

"I'm gonna stay."

"What?"

When Lily raised her head and pulled away from Sam, she could see the hurt in his eyes. She didn't mean to, but she couldn't just leave Archie and Mrs. Downes like that.

And then she heard him.

"She said the same thing…"

Lily, for the moment, glared. There was no way in hell she was like his mother. Deep down, she knew he didn't mean it, and it just slipped out of his mouth. It didn't make it any less rude, but…

He had already lost enough people.

"I'm sorry," Lily said, as Sam walked to Aurora and placed his hands on the saddle.

"It's okay…" but his sullen voice said otherwise. "I'll… see you in a while…"

It had been a few days since Sam had departed the Downes' Ranch, and a few less since Arthur had come by to visit.

Now she stood, garbed in black, hair tied back neatly with Archie and his mother, who were dressed in similar colors. Friends, family, and others were gathered at the church in Valentine, standing by yet another grave.

Archie stood next to his mother as she held a hanky close to her eyes. The priest said his prayers at the grave of Thomas Downes.

"He did anything for people… he may very well have died for it. But, he would not want us to feel sorrow for that. As in the lives we lead, we could lead by his example. To be good, and to do good. To help those who cannot help themselves."

"Amen," was the collective response. And thus, the people shared a moment of silence, some holding their hands together in prayer.

After the service, Lily walked around, checking on people, striking up random idle chat, and making sure they were doing okay.

"It's crazy," a civilian said, as Lily wandered towards the church. "Some of them were dead, with blood flowing from their mouths."

"He doesn't just kill them, he slaughters them, don't you remember?"

Lily stopped for a moment, a hand on the church's front door. She turned and saw two people talking.

"What are you guys talking about?" a third person joined in on the conversation.

"The man who's been killing O'Driscolls left and right," said the first man. They captured one of those blokes up in West Elizabeth. And they're gonna hang him. Roughed him up real good. All those lackeys he had? Dead!"

"Well, I say good riddance!" said the woman. "We could do with less O'Driscolls after what happened to Valentine."

"I don't know. If there's some whacko out there killing those people like that, he has to be after something."

Lily pulled down a gulp and stepped into the church.

There, she was taken away from troubling words she heard. She walked up the carpet laid out from the church's entrance, past the pews that few people were sitting at, and joined Archie who had been praying at the altar. She didn't say a word and just stood near him until, shortly after, he lowered his hands and opened his eyes.

"He should've been here," he said, his voice grim but quiet.

Lily turned her head. "What?"

"...Sam."

Lily sighed, air coming out from her nose.

"Is his new life too good for us?"

"You said that Mrs. Downes didn't want him around." She put her hands together, staring at the altar before them. "I don't think he could come to this funeral if he wanted to."

"I know, but-"

"And you seem to forget, no matter how many times I tell you, that you're not careful with other people's feelings," Lily said, flatly, but she didn't seem angry. She was looking at him, her face unmoving, the thoughts of what the townspeople were speaking about in the back of her mind. "You seem to keep forgetting that Sam can be very fragile."

"Very…" said Archie. "I'm only hard on him because I know he can be stronger. He willingly tried to make us sit there and let that horrible man beat Tommy." His voice was raising, causing it to echo slightly in the church.

"He didn't want us to get hurt." Lily kept her voice the same: Quiet, while in God's house. Archie gulped, suddenly realizing what he was doing, and turned his head away from Lily to look back at the altar, where people were still praying and paying their respects. "And you seem to act without thinking, just like him… not knowing who you end up hurting."

"What's that supposed to-"

"Anyway, this ain't the time for it. We're meant to celebrate your father's life… with or without Sam."

Archie sighed. His hands shook and he formed fists. "Right."

It wasn't long before Archie decided to go check on his mother and head back towards the ranch. Lily finally stepped out from the church, her eyes taking in the skies that were turning dark from the fading sun, and walked towards the carriage to ready the horses.

Then, she felt it again: The eerie chill that ran down her spine. There were a lot of people on the church grounds, but when she turned and looked around, she swore she saw him again. That Strange Man who was always in his Sunday best. He stood over the grave of the late Thomas Downes' and saw his hands moving.

Lily just stared, and saw him close a tiny book. She stepped forward, wanting to find out what was going on, but then…

"I think we're ready to go." Archie's hand landed on Lily's shoulder, making her turn back to him. He had returned to her with his mother.

"Oh," said Lily. "Okay."

"Everything alright?"

Lily glanced over onto the church grounds, seeing Thomas' grave, but the man had vanished into thin air.

"Yeah. Let's go."

Yet another day had gone by, adding to the multiple ones since she and Sam had parted ways.

"I'll… see you in a while…" Sam had said.

Lily swallowed hard as she led some cows out of the barn making sure they were behaving, and staying inside the pen. She was mounted on her horse, which she had finally named Adonis. She sighed. She sort of knew in the beginning that her words stung him harshly… even if she didn't mean to.

"Damn you, Aunt Anna…" Lily whispered under her breath.

Edith nodded at some other ranchers that had come by to pay for the cattle. They had come by a few days ago to check out the livestock and now they were ready to herd them to their own ranch.

Lily was sad to see some of them go. But Archie and Edith needed the money. Plus, it wasn't like they could stay on this land for much longer.

The young lady, along with Archie's help, led the cows with the other ranchers. They sped up the path towards the border of New Hanover heading towards West Elizabeth. Once they were over the Dakota River, Archie and Lily said their goodbyes and parted ways with the ranchers.

"I hope they'll be okay…" Lily spoke, softly.

Archie shrugged. "Pronghorn Ranch is okay. Their livestock always seem healthy. I'm sure they'll be fine…" He tilted his head, patting the mane of his horse. "That's more than I can say for us…"

The two didn't speak much on the journey back. Lily took in the peace that came with quiet. All she could hear was the wind, the river, the sound of the birds and felt the soft rays of the setting sun on her skin. It was nice. On the first few nights she was at the gang's camp, she was so scared to sleep, she kept Sam's pistol underneath her cot. After Sam had recovered from his head injury, she had to find a weapon of her own.

She remembered how barely a month ago, she didn't favor the possibility of owning a weapon, let alone using one, but things were different now. She was different now.

But Archie loved her nonetheless.

Lily wouldn't leave his side. At least not now, while he was still mourning, still trying to process what was going on with his life, and in a sense, she was doing the same thing. Maybe it was why she left camp for now. Her head was clear when she was away from it all, but she had better come back with something for the camp, or they wouldn't be happy.

And Sam could pay the price for it.

Lily shook her head. They wouldn't do that. They were bad men, but not the typical kind. They weren't anything like the Del Lobos, the Lemoyne Raiders or even those O'Driscolls. She trusted them enough to watch over Sam, her last family, while she had to look after Archie.

Dinner was quiet back at the Downes' Ranch as well. Then again, Lily and Sam shared a similar quiet after finding themselves at the hands of Dutch's Boy's and her father, dead.

It was the third night in the row that they were having Mr. Downes' favorite dinner. There were tons of leftovers. Lily assumed that he must have eaten a lot more back when he was still healthy, and Edith must have fallen back into habit.

Like he was still alive.

Still, she sighed and bit back the urge to say something. She, like Lily, was mourning, and was processing it differently than she was.

"If you're finished, Mrs. Downes', I'll collect your plates for you," said Lily. She took hers, and Edith graciously accepted her offer. Archie passed up his plate, too, but followed her into the kitchen where she had started cleaning them. There were some other dirty dishes, so Lily decided to wash them as well. Anything to take some of the workload away. Archie decided to pitch in and washed them, while Lily grabbed a clean rag and was in charge of drying them completely.

"Thank-you," Archie said, once his mother had gone outside for some fresh air. "For what you're doing. It means more than you think."

Lily smiled, holding back a chuckle, just barely. She passed a plate back to him. "Here. There's still a hunk of fat on this one."

Archie took the plate, and was quick to scrub it off. "Thanks. We make a good team." Once the plate was truly clean, he passed it back for Lily to dry. Right as he picked up the next dish, he was slow to get started on it. "So… what will you do?"

"Huh?"

"Momma and I can't stay here for much longer. We'll have to move on."

"Yeah," said Lily.

"Well, I…" Archie looked away nervously. Lily had finished drying off the plate and set it down with the others. She didn't have any more, and was waiting on Archie.

"Where are you going to go?" said Lily.

"Momma isn't sure yet, but we have about three days left to decide. The bank wants us out of here by then."

Lily sighed.

"That's why… I…" The young man hesitated. He wanted to say it and get it off his chest, but was terrified of the answer. "I…" Then Lily's gentle hand was on his shoulder. It was soft, as always, but he could feel the calluses forming on them. It was probably from the work she had been doing in that gang.

That gang…

The one that tricked them into making them owe money. Even though Sam had stolen some, his mother refused to stoop to their level. He didn't know what she did with that money, but it was gone.

If Sam hadn't shown up, who knows what would've happened to his father. He was thankful, even if all Sam did was delay the inevitable, but in the end, he was still on that man's side, urging them to pay up.

"I want you to come with me," Archie finally responded.

"...What?" Lily's response was soft. Even she was surprised.

"You could… start over. I mean… we could start over…"

"Where?"

Archie shrugged. "I don't know, but…" Seeing her still shocked, he reached and grabbed the hand she placed on her shoulder. "And, I don't know what we're going to do, but I feel like if you stay, we'll be fine."

"B-But…" Lily stuttered. "M-My father… the O'Driscolls-"

"I already talked it over with Momma, and she said, it'd be fine if you're willing to work hard. You can… forget about it all, and start again…" He stepped back a little. "I-If you want."

"I can't just let go of that… My father and Sam are my only family…"

"But Sam-"

"That was my fault!" Lily insisted. "I shouldn't have seen you without telling him. I knew he was mad, and leaving the way I did didn't help."

"What does that have to do with him refusing to visit you since what happened?"

Lily sighed. Slowly, she moved his hand off her body. "Again. You forget how sensitive Sam can be. His mother left him with my uncle, with no explanation, and she only visited once a year. My mother died not long after I was born and then she followed a few years later, and we never saw his father. We never even knew his name. All the people in his life left him, be it intentionally, or out of his control. You're asking me to do the same?"

"I'm not… Well, Momma doesn't want Sam near all of this… But, I know all Sam wants is to protect you."

The girl's thoughts came to a pause. That much was true. He said as much among the first few nights they spent at the camp together. But, that was back when they had just got there, before they got to know the other gang members. They were on the run from the law, from the Pinkertons and bounty hunters, but they weren't all bad. They treated them kindly since they showed up. A bit stern, but there was fairness. If it hadn't been for them, she and Sam would've been staying in the ruins of their home, or on the streets.

That clinic wasn't her home anymore. It was now just the place where her father was killed, and where the life that she and Sam knew came to an end.

Sam did say he wanted a better life for her. The way he said that sounded like he would do it, even if it meant he wouldn't get that chance.

But could Lily really bring herself to leave him behind?

"I-I…" Her breath hitched. Their activities in the kitchen had stopped entirely from their conversation, but without any words being thrown at each other, Lily could hear the gentle breeze outside, the sound of the crickets chirping, as if they were awaiting an answer. "I-I…" She gathered her hands on the sides of her forehead, grabbing locks of her blonde hair.

"Lily?"

"I… I need to think." The girl hurriedly walked out from the kitchen. Archie reached out his hand, but he was too late. He was left alone in the kitchen.

It was getting late, but Lily spent the majority of it thinking to herself. Was she selfish to even consider something like this? A way out from the life of crime she had been dragged into?

Was it worth it?

To leave Sam behind?

She laid in bed, her nightgown spread out on the bedspread. Her blonde locks of hair covering the pillow underneath her head. As she heard footsteps, Lily rolled onto her side, body facing the window into the night, with the moon shining through it. A weight came onto the bed behind her.

"You… okay?" It was Archie.

"I… don't know." Her shaky response prompted the boy to loop and an arm around her waist. Lily could tell he was in his union suit from the sleeve on his arm. She curled up, letting Archie get a bit closer, felt his warm breath on the back of her neck as the blanket was pulled over her.

"You don't have to decide now," he then said, gently. "Just… relax. You have until then to decide."

Lily just nodded softly, blinking the tears out of her eyes that ran down her nose and face and onto the bed. She closed her eyes, soothed by Archie's hand gently rubbing her belly, and just as she drifted off, she felt Archie's soft lips on her cheek.

The next morning, Lily just couldn't bring herself to stay at the house. There were no chores to do, no animals or crops to tend to. They had to pack, but Lily needed air. So, she rode on Adonis into town.

She hadn't decided yet. Would she return to the camp, rejoin her cousin and the gang? Or would she leave it, run away with Archie and Edith, and hope in her heart she can find a peaceful life elsewhere.

She couldn't decide, and she felt so awful for being unable to do so. So she found herself stuck in between both locations and ended up in Valentine. She stopped by the store, bought some flowers and paid a visit to the church, leaving some for her father's grave and the other half of them for the late Thomas Downes.

Yet, she didn't see any sign of that Strange Man again. Perhaps, it was for the best. She thought for a short while to pay the camp a visit, maybe check up on the girls, and Sam… but then what would they say? She had no doubt in her mind that Sam probably told them of her plans to stay with Archie while he and his mother grieved over Thomas, but they had to move off the property soon. After Archie asked, the thought of that question was still in her head.

To start over?

With Archie?

But without Sam?

She meant it when she asked Charles to look after Sam while she was gone. Could she really count on him, and the rest of the camp to watch over him… forever? How would Sam feel? Would he feel abandoned once again? Would having the camp around him at least soften the blow? He and Arthur were getting pretty close. The girls were kind, and even Miss Grimshaw, as long as someone didn't piss her off. Dutch was a stern, but fair and charismatic leader. With any luck, he could help make Sam stronger.

Or was she just making excuses to leave? Would she really drop what happened to her father? Drop the fact that her peaceful life was torn from her and just start a new one without seeking justice? The same justice that the police had failed to carry out for them, even though they swore to protect and serve the civilians? Maybe there was some way to convince Mrs. Downes to let Sam come with her?

Hell, no. Even if she could, Sam was caught stealing from Dutch van der Linde: one of the most notorious outlaws across the United States of America. It was only because he saved Arthur that he was still alive, but he now owed his life to Dutch.

Still sitting at Thomas' grave Lily shook her head, and hid her face in her hands. No. She couldn't just leave him with that debt. It would be like… what Thomas did to his family. She knew he didn't mean to, but the damage was there. If she left… she'd leave Sam alone, to serve under Dutch van der Linde.

Lily stood. She couldn't linger around the grounds for too long. She hated getting in the way of the groundskeepers, and things were looking much better since the O'Driscolls attacked the town all that time ago. She stood and left the grounds, going down the street towards the stables.

Then a pair of hands grabbed her. Lily cried out, shaking and tugging at whoever dared grab her by the arms.

"Got you now, little lady!"

"Get off of me!"

"You the bitch who shot Willy in the fields!" the man said, as Lily was pinned against the walls of the saloon. She quickly recognized the green on his clothes: An O'Driscoll!

"I said get off me!" she shrieked.

"Not until you say where Van der Linde is, you bitch!"

"Get your hands off her, friend."

Lily's hands were pinned on the sides of her head, while the angry man snarled at her. But then, they both turned to the direction of the voice. Her heart skipped a beat to see that it was Arthur.

"And who the hell are you?"

"Get off her," Arthur said again, his voice bitter and growing sinister.

"Or what?"

Lily could see Arthur's trigger finger getting itchy near his holster. "Wanna find out?"

The O'Driscoll let the girl go, pushing her away and Lily's back hit the wall, before storming off in a huff. Lily was shaken, her trembling only calming down once Arthur put her hands on her shoulders.

"You okay?"

"Th-Thank-you," said Lily. She put her arms around him, and Arthur let the lady have a hug, before pulling away. "What are you doing here?"

Arthur shrugged. "Was at the bar, looking for Uncle. Didn't come back for a few hours, so I checked for him over at the saloon. He pissed off some fellers, you know how it goes."

Lily just nodded. She tilted her head, seeing bandages from underneath his hat. "You're hurt."

"Oh, that was just some job me and Sam pulled off." He moved his hat slightly, either embarrassed or trying to hide the wound from the law.

"What kind of job?" Lily asked, a bit worryingly.

Lily had barely eaten since breakfast, so when Arthur invited her into the saloon, she graciously accepted. Uncle didn't want to leave without another drink or two… or three. That man was stubborn when it came to that… or sneaking off to take a nap.

Still, Lily ate happily. It was nice to have someone else prepare food for once. That didn't stop when she was at camp, with people requesting that she cook with Pearson, as the food was more edible with her around. While she did, Arthur informed her of what had been going on since she left… including the robbery from which he sustained his head injury. It was a good thing they were in the corner of the room, where they could talk a little more privately.

"Are you okay?!" Lily asked, her voice going shrill.

Arthur nodded. "I've had it worse. And Sam was okay, even if…" He lowered his voice. "It was his first train job, so I ain't too upset with him. It was John's party, after all."

"What do you mean?"

"Lawman came into the car from behind me when Sam was making sure I was okay…" said Arthur. "And he… He didn't hesitate."

Lily gasped at what he said. What did he mean? "He didn't hesitate"?

"We got on horses and found a clearing by the border, and surrounded by water," said Arthur. "John said it was called, uh… Clemen's Point or something. Sam patched me up, and annoyed me so I'd stay awake 'til sunrise."

"That… that was wise." Lily was deep in thought. If what he said was true. Did Sam… shoot a lawman?

"Woke up with him stuck to my arm," Arthur then muttered. "Clingy little shit."

The response made Lily laugh. "I'm sorry. Yeah, he can be a bit of a cuddler. Daddy and I once had a rule when we was on the couch: 'If you must begone, don't let yourself be the one he leans on.'"

Arthur chuckled. "Well, John didn't want me up yet, so maybe Sam was doing the job of keeping me down without realizing it."

As Lily finished the last of her food, a thought entered her mind. "So… Where is Sam anyway?"

The outlaw sighed, as if he wasn't happy to answer. "He left with Charles, Sadie and Micah."

The girl's heart skipped a few beats. "M-Micah?"

"West Elizabeth. Said something about another top O'Driscoll. They all look the same to me, anyhow. Dutch gave them three days."

"And when… did they leave?" Lily asked, her voice hesitating to say the words.

"'Bout… two days ago. So he has to come back tomorrow with or without results."

"Odd. Does he usually institute a time limit when you leave camp?"

"Nah, I've been with Dutch for almost as long as I can remember. He knows when I leave, I come back with something: Money, food, or even that fool over there." He gestured to Uncle who was ordering another drink while talking to a gentleman next to him. The two laughed some more, but once the distraction of funnier times wore off, Lily's mind went back to Archie's question.

"I… I got some money," said Lily. "Mrs. Downes gave me some… for helping her out on the farm." She reached into her bag, and had some bills on her. "It's for the gang. Could you put it in the box for me?"

"Sure you don't wanna head back and do it yourself?"

"I… I can't." She just couldn't bring herself to, without Sam around in the camp. With him, she was walking into a camp of thieves and killers. Despite how kind they were, despite the real people that they were then compared to the newspapers, that much was still true.

And now Sam was one of them.

"Just… not now. I have to go." She slid the money across the table and stood. Her heart pounded, as she made her way to the back door.

"Lily, what's wrong?" Arthur then asked. His voice made Lily stop in her tracks. She wasn't sure if it was because of her fight with Sam, Archie's love, or of how peaceful it had been since she had been under a proper roof again, but the thought of going back to the camp was making her pale, goosebumps going all over her body. Archie's home was the only semblance of a normal life she could get back. Tears filled her eyes, as she was considering running away from all of this. She couldn't leave him, but she was terrified of the man he was becoming.

"Arthur…" She hoped to Christ that he didn't hear how her voice was quivering from the fear and from the fact that she had a huge decision to make before the day after tomorrow. "If I ever… promise me you'll watch over Sam."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's… uh…" Once she heard his footsteps, she couldn't help herself. A sob escaped her lips, and she ran out the door. "I'm sorry…!" she blurted out before running outside and whistling for her horse.

Lily raced back to the Downes' Ranch. Most of the stuff had all been packed, so Lily didn't need to do much of anything. Hell, she didn't feel like doing much of anything.

When she got back, the house was still quiet. Archie was out, clearing out the last of weeds in the empty fields. If they had to give up their home, he thought they could at least make it look nice for whoever bought it next. Lily helped out where she could, doing small things. She offered either Archie or Mrs. Downes water or a small snack. Sometimes all the woman needed was just someone to sit with her while she sewed, or read, or cried. Having another woman by her side, seemed to help her perk up just a little. Despite the solemn mood, Lily wasn't worried about the camp, about who was going to walk up to her, or when and where Dutch or Miss Grimshaw were going to walk up and demand something of her. She didn't have to worry about Micah walking up and making her feel uncomfortable.

It was almost time for bed, and Lily was putting on her nightgown and brushing her hair. Still, she couldn't sleep, no matter how long she laid in her bed, or having Archie laying in the bed with her. It was quiet. Too quiet. She didn't hear the sounds of a fire, or the idle chatter of random camp members. Other than last night, when Archie told her of his offer, this was yet another night where she was growing restless. It was like her brain had gotten too used to the camp's noises. She got up again, put on her boots and wandered around the house in nothing but her nightgown.

It wasn't just that. Every night, since her aunt had passed and Sam nearly got himself killed, she was the one to make sure that Sam was tucked in, comfortable and asleep. Made sure he was safe. She couldn't do that, wherever he was right now.

She remembered how she hated the idea of even holding a gun in her hands. She understood now why her father wanted her to know how to use one… but if she stayed, she wouldn't have to worry about that again… would she?

Her feet took her out of the house, walking until she stopped in front of the empty barn. As a child, she and Sam were always excited when Cliff let them visit. And they would play all kinds of games with Archie, using the barn as a method of having obstacles.

And in a few days, just like her home, it would all be taken away.

She wandered inside, running her hands on the old gates to the stalls, taking in the familiar sights. Walking through the places she scampered by as a child, until her fatigue caught up with her.

"There you are," Archie said. She found Lily sitting in some of the spare hay they still had and sat down with her, their backs leaning against the wall.

"I just… got a little nostalgic," said Lily. "That's all." When he saw Lily looking down, he put his arm around her. "Sorry…"

"It's okay. I'm gonna miss this place."

Lily tilted her head, relaxing it on Archie's shoulder. "Me too…"

"But… maybe if we make enough money, we can make new memories in a place like this."

"Mmm." Lily felt so relaxed right now. It was quiet, and she wasn't dreading what the next day could bring. It felt wrong, though. There was a small hole in her heart, without her cousin by her side. Her eyes slid shut however. "New ones, huh…?" she mumbled.

Archie sighed, even when laying in that dingy old barn, the girl still looked so beautiful no matter what. His heart fluttered to have her in his arms.

"Just… wish Pa could've been here," he said.

"Me too," Lily whispered. "Archie, I…"

"Shh…" Archie hushed her. "It's okay. We can stay here longer if you want."

Lily smiled, nudging her face into his chest. "Good," she mumbled. She sighed as Archie ran his fingers through her hair.

It could be nice, she thought. Archie at her side, wind in her hair, sun on her skin. They could go somewhere and just… start over. Together.

She was nearly asleep, when she heard a scream come from the house.

"Momma?!" Archie suddenly said, sitting up. Lily sat up, too, hair messied from the cuddling. She gazed out the window and saw two other horses that weren't familiar to her.

"Mrs. Downes!" Lily yelled. She scrambled to her feet and was running towards the house, before Archie could say anything.

Before crouching down, she saw two figures inside, so went around the perimeter to the backdoor and entered quietly from there.

"Why would you want her?" Edith pleaded. "Please. We don't have anything. Just leave us alone!" Lily shuddered when she heard a thud followed by a scream.

"We ain't looking for things, bitch! We want the girl who shot Willy!" He sounded like the man who had harassed Lily back in town.

Lily grabbed the Cattleman Revolver off the table and crept up to the doorway and stood with her back against the wall. Then she turned, pointing the gun at the two O'Driscolls who had kicked Edith to the ground, but they had guns, as well.

"I will mind you to watch your tongue in this house," Lily hissed. "You have to leave, now."

"Well, ain't that a big gun for such a little lady," one of the thugs said. He sounded just like the one who tried to pin her against the wall. "Drop it!"

Lily's eyes darted back and forth between the two men. Just because she had been shooting crooks and hunting animals, it didn't suddenly mean she was a quick shot like Landon Ricketts. She found herself backing away, the scowl growing across the O'Driscolls face, signalling that he was losing his patience.

"LILY!"

The door swung open, which caught the O'Driscolls by surprise, and Archie stepped in to knock one out with a shovel he picked up in the barn. The remaining O'Driscoll turned to him with his weapon drawn.

And just like Sam…

Lily did not hesitate.

BANG!

Both Archie and his mother screamed, but as the last thug dropped to the ground like a bag of bricks, the young man saw the sharp look in her eyes, as the smoke rose up from the barrel of the gun: The eyes of a killer. She had done this before.

"It's okay, Momma," Archie said, turning his attention to her. "They're gone."

Lily just stood there, gun in her hands. The O'Driscolls had come for her. If she hadn't done anything, then Archie and Edith would've been...

What am I doing? she thought.

Her breath hitched. While her head was stuck in the clouds of dreamland, she was putting them in danger. She was unaware of the danger that was following her, the more she wanted to run. And seeing them storm in here, not caring who they killed to get what they wanted.

This was the reason why she couldn't just forgive and forget.

She couldn't leave. She couldn't abandon her cousin! Her only family!

She couldn't leave the man who killed her father to do as he pleased.

"Why?!" Edith suddenly questioned. She stood up on her shaky legs, with Archie nearby to stray her. "Why were they after you?!"

"Archie, I…" Lily hesitated. "I have to go back. He needs me! Sam needs me!"

"But Lily-"

"If I stay, there will be more." She pulled down a gulp feeling the warm sting of tears in her eyes. "We can't turn back from what we're doing, but you still have the chance to run away from this. I can't let my father's killer walk free." The tears piled up in her eyes, but her brows furrowed with determination. "And I can't let my cousin walk this path alone without me to protect him!"

"Lily, you can't!" Archie pleaded.

"They were here because of me!"

"And you know what awaits you because of Sam?" said Archie. "I know the maniac who's been killing O'Driscoll is him and that gang who grabbed him!"

"Because no one else will! And I will not be my aunt and leave Sam!"

The two were staring, locking eyes. It felt like an eternity had gone by, before anyone made a move or said anything. The light that Archie had been seeing Lily had been tainted with the deed she had done. Of course, she had saved him, and he was grateful, but he knew now that the flower he had fallen for had her thorns, and they were sharp. She was right. Those outlaws… They turned her into one of them. He was too late to stop it, wasn't he?

"Then you need to leave," he said. His voice cracked. He hated having to do this to the woman he loved since they were children. "Go."

Lily sniffled, her breath shaky as she squeezed on the gun in her hands. The sight alone made Archie unable to even look at her.

"Archie, I-"

"I said get out!" Archie said, raising his voice. "Leave. Folk like you ain't moral. We're trying to make an honest living, not become like you."

Lily flinched like a wounded animal as the words hit her like bullets. She made an attempt to walk to them, but then Mrs. Downes pulled her son behind her. "He said leave, missy! Go on, now!"

The young lady shook. She backed away into the room and picked up all of her belongings. She didn't even bother to get dressed, only wanting to be out of that house as quickly as possible. Only when she was almost out the door did she and Archie exchange one last glance before she ran outside.

Lily hung her bag onto her horse and just hid her face in Adonis' mane, her hands gently grabbing the mare's neck as she sobbed quietly to herself. The horse snorted, turning slightly to look at her, but couldn't really do anything with the angle he was at.

Once Lily pulled away, her face was wet with tears, her cheeks were red, her hair still messy, with the locks in front of her face soaking from the crying. Once her breathing settled enough, she climbed onto her horse, looked down the trail. If things had been different, perhaps Archie would've escorted her back, but it wasn't like that now. With a small squeeze of her heels, Adonis began to trot, taking his master back towards the camp. Tears raced down her eyes, the cool breeze providing a small comfort and the moonlight made her hair glisten.

She was unaware that Archie had walked out to the porch and watched her leave…