Here is part 2.
~5 years later~
James burst into the room, sword in
hand. He saw Jessica’s still form, collapsed on the floor.
“No…” he moaned, dropping his sword
and rushing to her side. He felt as if his world was collapsing inward.
“Jessica, no, please…” He picked her up, smoothing her hair out of her face.
She was so still.
“I didn’t find my way back to you
for this,” James whispered, a lump in his throat.
Jessica remained unresponsive; her
beautiful body limp in his arms. Tears slowly streamed down his face, and he
kissed her cold cheek. Gently he set her down.
“James?” a voice came from the
doorway behind him. He turned and found his little brother, Thomas, standing in
the doorway.
“Thomas,” James’ voice choked up.
He had grown up since James left. The little Tommy was now almost a man.
Thomas stepped inside. “James,
what—“ his eyes flickered to Jessica’s still form, and he stiffened, paling.
“What happened?” his voice was harsh, rough.
James fought back tears. “I was too
late.”
“What did it?”
“I don’t know, I got here too
late.”
“James. What killed Jessica?”
Thomas’ face was dark.
“I don’t know!”
Thomas growled, punching the wall.
“I came in here, and she was
collapsed on the floor, alone. She wasn’t breathing, and there wasn’t a pulse.”
James paused, eyes narrowed. “You promised to protect her, Thomas. Where were
you?”
“I was protecting her,” Thomas
spat. “I was fighting the men who followed you
here.”
James bowed his head.
“We were getting overwhelmed. We
still are—and now they got what they want,” Thomas said, his jaw clenched.
“You’re back and she’s dead.” He glared at his older brother, unshed tears
glistening in his eyes.
James felt some measure of pity for
Thomas. “Thomas…” he began, but was cut off.
“Why did you come back?” Thomas
asked. “Why did you have to come back now?”
James stood up. “I made a promise,
Thomas. I promised Jessica I would come back. For her.” His voice was
dreadfully quiet.
“She’s dead, James! She’s dead
because you couldn’t be bothered to be a little more careful while you were
escaping!”
Anger boiled through James’ veins,
and he quickly slapped his little brother across the face. “Don’t you dare speak like that to me. I was
careful.” He glanced at Jessica. “Even I’m not perfect. I lost my wife.”
“You didn’t just lose a wife.”
Tears stood in Thomas’ eyes. “I lost a sister. She’s all we’ve had for the past
five years.” He turned away. “And now she’s gone.”
“Where are you going?” James asked.
He was startled by how raw his voice sounded.
Thomas turned around to face him.
“To go fight. We’re still being attacked.” He paused. “Are you coming?”
James hesitated.
“Staying here isn’t going to bring
her back,” Thomas said softly. “But answers are out there.” He opened the door.
“And I intend to find them.”
“Thomas!” James called.
Thomas stopped.
James put his hand on his brother’s
shoulder. “Let’s go.”
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