Jess’s Reviews > Release Me > Status Update

Nazeera.
A miracle.
She literally flew me out of there. I remember staring at her in that dumbstruck way of children; understanding, without really understanding, that I was looking at something beautiful.
When I see her now, I remember feeling safe.

I glance out the window, then at Nazeera, the warmth in her familiar eyes a welcome diversion from my own mind.
I've known her for nearly as long as I've known Kenji. For a few years the two of them were a package deal; she's always been like an older sister to me.

Aaron Warner Anderson.
James's older brother is waiting for me. I steel myself as I read the cold fury in his eyes; the careful, violent control in his body.
Everything about this man seems lethal.

"Listen to me," I say, finally losing control. I grab a fistful of his shirt and yank him closer, my voice nearly shaking with fury. "If these soldiers matter to you, leave. If you want to spare their lives, leave. I'm trying-I'm really trying to be a better person, but if even one of them hurts you I swear I'll slaughter them all."

"I’d really like to spend some time with you under normal circumstances," he says, forcing a grim smile.
"Dinner. Movie. No murdering. Better ambience."
I know he's joking, trying to defuse the tension, but something inside of me grieves the simple dream he's describing. I hope he finds that kind of happiness.
I'll be long dead by then.

"I love your freckles," she whispers, her gaze moving slowly across my face. "Sometimes, when I can't sleep, I count them in my head."