I can’t even explain the amount of confusion going through me at that point. The last person I though would betray everything for me, was by my side. My brother who never cared for me had risked everything to rescue me. To top it off he was a commander in some rebel army. We got out of the palace without much more trouble. Every time someone came to stop us, another of Lex’s men took care of them. I had never seen so much blood or death. I think that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“I’m sure you understand.” Lex said as two men tied Luke’s arms behind his back.
Jacky grabbed Lex’s arm. “Why are you doing this? He’s not the enemy. He saved me.”
“It’s alright Jacks. Lex knows that, but as a leader he has to make his people feel safe. I’ll be alright.” Jacky wrapped her arms around Luke and held on tight. “Hey. I’m not going anywhere. You’re all I have left.”
Lex came touching her back. “Come on Jacky. I promise he’ll be treated well until I can talk to the council. Trust me. Okay?” She allowed him to pull her away and she watched him get led away.
The camp was located on a large estate on the outlands of Sway. Jacky wasn’t sure how they came by such a place. There were gardens around the mansion and a makeshift infirmary in the east wing. Lex took her all around showing her every part of the rebel’s base.
“I have someone I want you to meet.” Lex smiled taking her hand. He led her to a woman that was helping with children in a large room that looked more like a nursery. He let go of her and as the woman looked up she smiled and he embraced her then turned.
“Beth, this is Jacky.”
The woman’s smile grew. “I’ve heard so much about you. Lex talks of almost nothing else.” Jacky looked at him confused as to why he would talk so much about her.
“Jacky. This is Beth, my wife.”
“You’re wife!” She stared incredulously at her brother. Beth went over to a crib and lifted a baby out.
“This is our daughter.” Lex said going over to the child who reached out for him. He lifted the little girl and brought her to Jacky. “Her name is Emma.”
Jack covered her mouth in shock. “Can I hold her?” He nodded and gave her the little toddler. “She’s beautiful Lex. Does mom know?”
He nodded. “She knows I’m married and she knows about Emma. But this.” He motioned around them. “She doesn’t, it’s better that way.”
Looking at the little girl whose eyes were a crystal blue and yellow golden curls hung in her face. “Well, Lex no matter what her Gift will be she’s gorgeous.”
Beth came and took her letting her down with the other children sitting playing with children toys. Lex came to her and put his arm around her. “Jacky here we don’t care about Gifts. In fact you’re not the only Giftless here. Half of the rebels are as well.” Jacky gaped. She knew there had been others but never met one before. “In fact.” Lex began again. “Beth is one of them.”
Staring at Beth she didn’t see someone who had been beaten down or someone who wasn’t as smart as the rest. She seemed to be strong and had purpose. “You married a Giftless?”
“Look Jacky. I know I was a horrible brother and I can’t say I’m sorry enough for that.” She turned to him. “I should have been there for you, but I wasn’t. Now I want to make it up to you. Here you’re equal to everyone. I don’t want you to ever feel inferior again.” She let herself cry, but for the first time they were tears of joy.
