Deviant Fate

59 - Endure

-Fran-

I was startled to see that Gwen and Arowin came back with Keerly. Gwen was clearly distressed. I gestured towards the balcony with my eyes to Keerly and he nodded. I grabbed a blanket off the bed and wrapped it around Gwen and myself as we stepped outside.

The cold was unforgiving as the sun went down. I could see our breath floating as we breathed.

"Gwen?" I questioned.

"The plans have changed." She whispered so Keerly and Arowin couldn't hear her. "I made a deal with Ameela."

"Ameela?" I said with wide eyes.

"We made a deal to kill Gerin." She said quietly. "I'm suspicious of her, but we have a common goal."

"What do we need to do?" I asked apprehensively, now that there was a new plan.

"Endure. Just for four more days. Friday there will be a public dinner, that is when that bastard will finally die. But— you can't let anyone know it was me." She said with seriousness.

"Why?" I asked with confusion.

"Ameela wants to make it seem like an accident, so their people are more inclined to work with our people after. I have to make it seem like Gerin is the only one to blame for his death. You can't let Keerly know anything about this. I fear if Arowin finds out it will be all for nothing."

"Okay." I breathed out a shaky breath.

She's rushing out as much as she can, but it's so overwhelming. I had so many questions, but I didn't want to waste time asking if she had more to tell me.

"If you are able to see the others, make sure they stay extra diligent Friday. I have a deal to keep everyone safe, but Ameela didn't seem as confident." She whispered as she leaned in for a tight hug. "They're heading this way. If Keerly asks, say I was upset about seeing Zaq and Zef tonight— don't worry, they are alive, but they are hurt. Endure for four more days, please." She whispered quickly before pulling away and meeting Keerly and Arowin back inside before they could come out to the balcony.

She walked past them and headed for the door.

"I want to go to sleep." She said quietly as Keerly and Arowin looked at her with pity.

Arowin walked up to her and guided her out the door in silence. Keerly's gaze lingered on the door for a moment before turning to me.

"Come inside, it's too cold for you." He pulled me gently from the balcony.

Gwen said if he asks what we were talking about it was about Zaq and Zef. What happened? She said they were hurt. My heart sank as I could only think of the absolute worst.

"Will she be okay?" He asked with care.

"Gwen is strong, but everyone has their limits." I said with worry.

"Will you be okay?" He asked with genuine concern.

I took a deep breath to calm my rapid heartbeat.

"I will endure." I simply said, more so to myself.

"I'm here for you." He said as he walked closer to me.

"I know it's not directly your fault, but you're still an enabler. A bystander. It doesn't really make me feel better that you're offering to be there for me." I said.

My emotions grew stronger the more I thought about Zaq and Zef. If they're badly hurt, what does that mean for Deacon or Rhett. Are they hurt too? Whose hurting them? Did Keerly know?