The Last Letter

by Rebecca Yarros

“Thank you,” I said quietly, knowing he couldn’t hear me. “Thank you for her.”

“Sometimes you have to leave so you can know what it is you left. You don’t really value something until you’ve lost it.”

I’ll save you a seat on the other side, brother, but take your time. Take every single second you can. You are the only brother I would have wished for, and my very best friend. And just in case no one ever told you—you’re worthy. Of love. Of family. Of home.

“She looks like such a docile little thing. You’d never guess she’d be capable of ripping someone apart.” “She’s like any other woman in that regard, ma’am.”

“Don’t let go,” she whispered. Her hands were still between us, but she wasn’t pushing me away, they were simply resting on my pecs. If anything, she leaned in. “I’d forgotten what this felt like.” “Being hugged?” My voice was sandpaper-rough. “Being held together.”

“Play my position, show no fear, and tonight we dine on the souls of our enemies!”