Powerful (The Powerless Trilogy, #1.5)

by Lauren Roberts

The girl stands in my path, staring curiously at the scene sprinting toward her. Silver hair spills from her head, pouring down her back. And if I make it out of this unscathed, I’m determined to find a fabric of the same shimmering shade.

And I know exactly what it’s like to be in Kai’s shoes.

I miss you and, don’t worry, I’m saving your spot sort of way.

If there is a God, this man is certainly proof that He has His favorites.

He’s breathtaking in the way I would imagine a stab wound to be, so handsome it’s piercing.

“Speaking of, why the hell didn’t you just phase into a building and lose the Imperial?” With a sudden urge to defend myself, I lift my chin. “Well, I… I never know what’s waiting on the other side.”

“Any hobbies?” “Self-serving.” I meet her gaze before more sarcasm can slide off my tongue. “Paired with the occasional self-loathing.”

Windblown bangs bleed into hazel eyes, bright with a sort of serenity that doesn’t belong in the slums. There is not a single cynical thought to deny the fact that she may be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. She’s intimidatingly peaceful—a contradiction in itself. And I almost want to despise her for it. Because I fear there is a chance that I may begin to enjoy her.

It’s odd, watching someone take in the mess that is me.

She smells of honey, of happiness incarnate. And it’s entirely too distracting.

“I’m sorry,” he starts quietly, “that something of mine has already wounded you.”

I happen to look up in time, witnessing the beautiful accident that has happened.

She is an intoxicating sort of exhausting, like running until you’ve lost your breath but enjoying the feeling all the while. And I feel as though I’ve been sprinting for days.

“You did the right thing. Run to me. Always run to me.”

“Buttons are the bane of my existence,” I say simply. “That was the only appropriate response.”

It truly is a curse to feel so deeply, to so daringly deem someone worthy of my affection.

the only person I let get close enough. And look what it got her—a death sentence.

Because I was afraid.

He’s not exactly a ray of sunshine, but perhaps something equivalent to a moonbeam. Mysterious and unnerving. Equally as beautiful, yet, soft enough to stare at.

Maybe I should have let Father have his way with me. Let

I had never known happiness before her. But if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.

“Fine.” He gives me that sarcastic smile, though his eyes are still clouded with the sorrow of losing Hera. “Well, you are all giggles and perpetual happiness with your bows and other frilly… things.” I nod slowly, stepping toward him. “And do you like that about me?” He doesn’t need a moment to ponder. “Among several other things.” “Good,” I say simply, placing a hand on my hip. “Because I’m not changing. I like my frilly, girly things.” “Oh, I know.” “See, I’m a—” “Lover, not a fighter,” he finishes for me.

“Fine,” I say, accepting Adena’s offer. “The Fort it is. Thank the Plague I only have to do this one more time after tonight.”

bite into the sticky bun, my tone mocking as I mutter, “Yes, nothing says ‘welcome home’ like a newly arranged pile of garbage.” She puts a hand on her hip. “This pile of garbage is all I’ve got.” “I thought you had me?” Her eyes flutter in a way that makes me wonder how to get her to do it again. “Do I?” I swallow, forcing the feeble words from my mouth. “So long as you’ll take me.” “And if I don’t?” she asks softly. “Then no one ever will.”

“Well, he’s done a lot of shit. And I’m just pretty shitty.” I take another bite of honey-drenched dough. “I’m sure we’d be the best of friends under different circumstances.”

the sheer number of words you speak each day is astounding—”

Her smile is sad. “I’m sorry that I’m the first to give you a gift.” “I’m not.” The words fall quickly from my lips. “I would have waited another nineteen years if it meant you were the first good memory I was gifted.” Hazel eyes wander up to mine. “But you deserve more than one good memory.” “Then it’s a good thing I’m planning on keeping you around.” She smiles at me, seeming to brighten the darkening alley around us. “I would like that very much, Mak.”

Awe laces each word from her soft lips. “I always wondered how something could shine so bright, even while being swallowed in darkness.”

My eyes run over the shadowed outline of her face. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself.”

“I’m quite sure that even the stars are envious of you.”

“You make even the stars envious,” I repeat softly, leaning toward her. “Because one day—far from now—you will be up there beside them, outshining every single one.”

“And will you be beside me up there?” “If I should be so lucky.” “Promise me,” she murmurs sternly. “I don’t want to be alone.” I nod against her hair. “I promise, Dena.”

im fucking sobbing