From Ruin, She Rose Novels & Stories

“She cannot hide from what she is. And neither can you.” The ground trembled. The moon rose, full and blinding. And Raine’s power—whatever it was—finally woke.

Breakable. Finally, I stepped out of the shadows and walked towards her. My footsteps were silent on the stone path. She didn’t notice me until I was standing right in front of her. Her head jerked up, her eyes wide and red from crying. There were no more tears in her eyes, just a silent resolve. I couldn't tell if it was good or bad. “Riven,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “What… what do you want?” I sat down beside her without a word, my cloak rustling softly against the bench. For a long moment, I said nothing. I just watched her, taking in every trembling breath, every tear that had slipped down her pale cheeks.

There was so much venom in her words it took me by surprise. It was nice to see a glimpse of the old Gemma back, that fiery barmaid who didn’t take any shit from anyone. Not even the big bad bikers of the Black Aces. “Who…?” Ruin looked genuinely confused. “She’s talking about you, asshole.” Truth was shaking his head. His words made Ruin frown even more. “Why would I….

And the way he’s calling Zion dirty, he was far cleaner than him. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this. I’m going to destroy everything they hold dear, and they won’t even know what hit them,” I promise, making him nod in approval. “No one gets to mess with Ruin and live.” “That’s the woman I know.” I stand up, winking at him. “Chaos, baby.”

No wonder mother never wanted me to find mine, she had really wanted to protect me from all this. I wish she was still here to give me advice and help me. I don't know what to do without her, I need her with me, I need her help. I don't even have somewhere to visit where her body is as she was burned with the rest of the rogues that they found. jamie kneels down in front of me, "it'll be ok Riven." "how will it be ok?" I snarl, "I have to see that monster for the rest of my life because of some mystical bond and the only way I can't get out of it is death. How is that ok?"

“And you’re still the only woman who can ruin me and put me back together.” She leaned down, lips brushing mine. “Promise me something, Devon.” “Anything.” “Every single day, you choose to be better. Even when it’s hard. Even when the guilt tries to drag you back. You choose me. You choose us.” I flipped her under me in one smooth move, pinning her wrists above her head. “I choose you. From now until the end of every lifetime we ruin and rebuild.” Irene smiled, fierce and bright. “Good. Because I plan to ruin you every night and save you every morning.”

"Crawl." He didn't need to say more. She knew what he wanted. Shaking, she crawled the few feet toward him, the mud soaking through the knees of her pants, every inch a movement of pure degradation. She reached his boots, her hand trembling as she pulled the cold, familiar diamond ring from her finger. She held it up to him. He plucked it from her fingers as if taking a piece of trash. Then, with a grunt of disgust, he shoved his hand against her shoulder, pushing her face-first into the dirt.

All she wanted was to disappear from sight. She hurried to the restroom, washed the blood from her finger, and stared at her reflection — pale, exhausted, eyes rimmed red from holding back tears. She whispered bitterly, — “Just one more day… I’ll be fine.” After a few minutes, she returned to her desk, trying to compose herself. She sat down, pulled out some files — but before she could open them, she heard movement in the hall. She looked up — and froze. Ethan Cross was walking out of his office, calm and composed… and beside him was that same elegant woman.

My voice was barely above a whisper as I said, "I'm afraid you'll die before I do." Celine's eyes flashed, and she scolded me loudly. "Sabrina, how can you curse Galen for another man? Do you love him that much?" Galen's eyes were red with rage. He raised his hand, but the moment before the slap landed, his body froze. He wobbled, tilted back, and collapsed. Amid the screams, I closed my eyes and whispered softly, "He's beyond saving. Prepare for the worst."

Someone she trusted. “Varuun…” she hissed. She rose to her feet, the hem of her robe dragging through the circle of blood at her feet. The runes around her flared violently, then sputtered out one by one. The mists pressed closer to the tent, as if drawn by her fury. But Varuun was already gone.