She used the heel of her palm to wipe the tears from her eyes, tilting her head down so that her hair would fall and cover her face. Tiger had never liked crying in public, or in front of people in general and yet sheâd found herself doing so more often than sheâd liked. âIâve always hated this part. The death. I know our people have killed others, but Iâve never liked it. I donât know how they can justâŚâ She covered her mouth with her hand to hide the guilt lines in her frown. This never should have happened. She didnât know who the hell was picking them off, but she was sure now that it had something to do with whoever had decided to shoot her mother. âJustâŚstay.â Tiger leaned over, resting her head on Laceyâs shoulder and looping an arm around her waist. She couldnât handle ever losing her too.
âHow did we get into this mess?â Lacey wondered aloud, yet knowing the answer all too well. Wanting to stop the war, only making it worse and betraying their family     because of course it was Laceyâs family as well. The two were best friends, sisters, and Marcus had been like a father to her. And then it all just ended. âI donât know how people just... how do they have the will to do it? I almost killed my brother, but I didnât. There was a line and I didnât cross it, but I could have. The pan was just there... I could have done it. But I didnât. One choice and it could have all been over... how do people just cross that line?â Her arm came around Tigerâs waist so they were both leaning on each other for support, Tigerâs head on Laceyâs shoulder, her own head resting atop of Tigerâs, both arms looped around each others waists, grief draped onto them like a blanket. âItâs all too late now.â














