Page 93 of Hero of Havoc

“He should.”

My stomach twists. “What makes you say that?”

Silence engulfs us for a moment as she steadies her breathing. “Because he does everything my father demands already, to protect us.”

“And I bet he would do it a thousand times more if he had to.”

“That doesn’t make it right,” she grumbles, flopping back on the bed, and I go with her, staring up at the ceiling, letting my thoughts run wild as my chest rises and falls with every breath.

I don’t know how much time passes, but the comfort of Arabella’s presence is noticeable.

How would I feel in her shoes? I can’t even begin to comprehend, and I have a twisted family life as well. Or I did. Many factors have played a role in where my life is right now, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that my brother has played his part in it too.

Just like hers.

“What’s Archer like when he’s not here?” Arabella whispers, and I tilt my head to look at her.

Her eyes are closed, a calmness washing over her as I sigh.

“Do you want the honest answer or the cutesy one?” I mumble, and she grins.

“Honest.”

“He’s a total pain in the butt,” I admit, and she giggles.

“Try living with him. He’s been a pain my entire life, all fifteen years of it, and my mom says he’s only going to get worse the older I am,” she insists, prying her eyes open, and I smirk.

“That sounds accurate.”

“I’m sorry that he rejected you. I know he probably hasn’t figured out how foolish that was of him, but he’ll get there eventually.”

“I’m sure he will,” I insist. “Do you have any funny stories I can use against him? I could use whatever ammo I can get my hands on at this point,” I admit, and her eyes widen with excitement.

“You should ask him about the goose.”

“The goose?” I repeat, eyebrows raised, and she nods, grinning wickedly. “I’ll make sure to do just that,” I promise as she shuffles onto her side, loosening her braids methodically as I clear my throat.

“Would you like me to redo them for you?” I offer, and she peers at me with big, round eyes.

“Really?”

“Of course,” I insist, and she immediately hurries to the foot of the bed, hand extended in the air with her hair ties aimed in my direction.

Silence engulfs us once again as I braid her hair, making sure to be as gentle as possible, while also trying not to make a mess of it because apparently braiding your own hair isn’t quite the same as doing someone else’s.

It takes two tries, but by the time I’m done, they’re perfectly symmetrical and tidied up once again.

She mumbles her thanks as I stand up off the bed, stretching my arms out when a soft thud echoes in the distance.

Panic zips up my spine, and Arabella must sense it because she quickly stands, a soft smile on her lips. “Don’t worry, that’s Archer,” she explains when the noise continues. “He’s probably going to need you now,” she adds, and I shake my head.

“He’ll be okay for a little while longer,” I insist, and her smile grows.

“Probably, but I’m okay, and I know he won’t be. He needs to not feel alone right now too.”

I nod in understanding. “But what will you do?” I ask, and she shrugs, a yawn tearing her mouth wide.

“Sleep.”