Natalie
“The people look up to us for change.” My father said, “Find a way to salvage the situation. Use whatever means necessary. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, General."
He gripped my chin and forced me to look at him. "Do not fail me again, Natalie. There will be no forgiveness next time."
When he finally released me, I stumbled back, my legs trembling. He left the room without another word, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I pressed a hand to my burning cheek, tears finally spilling over. I had ruined everything. Not just for my father, but for myself. For whatever fragile connection I had with Malakai.
I sank onto the nearest chair.
Malakai’s face flashed in my mind, the way he’d looked at me, so cold and distant. But beneath that, I saw something else. Something I couldn’t name.
