Rebel Princess - Book 2 (The Hope Saga) (26 page)

“You’re always getting in trouble down here, so try to behave while you’re up there. Be on your best behavior. Can’t have you getting kicked out, locked up, or turned into shark food before I get there.”

I laughed.

“Just be good, okay?”

“I promise.”

She glanced down at the basket I was holding. “What are those?” 

“I made friendship bracelets to give away,” I said. “Just some silly mementos, I guess.” 

“When did you do that?” She shook her head. “I thought you couldn’t hide anything from me.”

I shrugged. “I wanted to surprise you. I found some embroidery thread in the craft room, then braided it into a colorful pattern I thought you’d like. This one’s yours.” I handed her a light blue and pink bracelet. “The pink means you’re sweet, and the blue is because you’re loyal.” 

“Aw! I’ll treasure it forever,” she squealed.

I could see Brett weaving through the crowd.

“I gotta go,” Rachel said and gave me one last hug. “Good luck, and I’ll see you up there soon.”

I smiled. “See you soon.”

Tanya tapped my shoulder. “It’s almost time to go. Are you nervous?”

“I’m definitely on edge.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

“Hey, I made you a friendship bracelet too.”

“What for? I’m coming with you.”

“I still want you to have one. I made one for Collin too.”

I explained what the colors meant, and she grinned.

She hugged me. “You are the sweetest.”

“Here,” I said when he walked over.

“Sky!” Brett called.

“I’ll talk to you guys later,” I told Collin and Tanya.

“I can’t believe I have to go,” I said.

Brett gripped my hands. “Just think of it as…warming up our house.”

“I promise it’ll be all warm and toasty when you come up.”

“I’m counting on it, baby.”

“When I get to the surface,” I said, “I’m gonna plant a tree in Christopher’s honor. By the time you get there, it should be big and strong.”

I stared into Brett’s tear-filled eyes, and he held my gaze for a long moment. “I don’t want to leave you,” I whispered, barely holding it together.

“If I could take your place, I would.” His lips pressed against mine in one of the most emotional, intense kisses I’d ever experienced, a kiss rooted in love but wracked with the pain of loss.

Blood pounded in my head, and anger consumed me. I didn’t want things to end that way, to be torn from my loved ones in a forced farewell. They wouldn’t even let Rachel see me off. Once again, I hated that I had absolutely no control over my own life. I couldn’t even say goodbye on my own terms.

“Time to go,” a soldier said, roughly leading me away.

Brett shoved the soldier aside and grabbed me by the arms. “I love you, Sky.”

I gazed into his gorgeous eyes. “I love you too.”

“You’ll always be with me, no matter where I go, no matter what I do, and I’ll be up there sooner than you think. Stay strong, Sky, and never give up.”

Leaving Brett was unimaginably devastating and tragic. I was trying to get over the loss of Christopher, and I needed Brett by my side; only he could really understand my pain, and we desperately needed each other.

We sat through the long ceremony, the diamonds were picked, and then I was led into a clear chute. I was instructed to cross my hands over my chest. The glass door slowly closed, and before I could even lock onto Brett’s gaze once more, there was a
hiss
, and I was hurtled up into the air.

To Be Continued…

Rebel Warrior - Book 3 is available now.

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LCPFXMC

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LCPFXMC

Book 1 and 2 have both been leading up to an explosion of surprises and twists you won’t believe. Sky leaves her underwater city. What’s on the surface? Will Vita be everything Sky expected?

Note from author:
I’m so thrilled and happy to have you come along on Sky’s journey.
Without you, none of this would’ve been possible and I can’t thank you enough. If you’ve enjoyed this series but haven’t gotten a chance, could you please leave a review? Even a line or two would be fantastic and help more than you know.

I’d really appreciate your support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m beyond grateful.

Rebel Princess Link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KR1RVIG

Rebel Princess UK Link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KR1RVIG

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Facebook Fan Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chrissy-Peebles-Fantasy-Author/351121651567296

BOOK TRAILER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF9UkY0qiSo

Other Series:

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