Free Rise (War Witch Book 1) by Cain S. Latrani Page A

upstairs, the slamming of the door echoing down, making the patrons flinch.
    "Well," Diem said after a bit. "That went well."

    Night was falling when the soft knock came at Chara's door. She’d cried until she felt certain she had no tears left, but still, her heart ached and her pride was demolished, leaving her in no mood for anyone's company. She ignored it at first, but it came again, forcing her to lift her head from her pillow.
    "Go away," she called. "Leave me alone."
    Her door opened slowly, admitting her brother, who gave her a soft, sad smile. "Sorry, sis. No can do."
    Chara groaned and fell back on her bed. "Come to make fun of me?"
    She cringed slightly as Daniel sat on the foot of her bed. "No. Thought about it, but no."
    "Then what do you want?" she asked, voice muffled as she buried her face in her pillow.
    To her surprise, he said nothing at first, and simply sat there quietly. When he did speak, it was with a calm tone, his words measured and careful. "I think it's good that you told Mom and Dad what you want for yourself. It's about time, really. For so long now, you've been miserable and unhappy. I didn't know why, or what to do about it, but I saw it. Maybe now, with this, you'll be able to be happy again."
    Chara looked up at him in surprise, trying to find any deception in his voice, or face. Seeing nothing but a kind smile, she hesitantly asked, "Do you mean that?"
    "Of course I mean it," he chuckled. "You're my sister. Why wouldn't I want you to be happy?"
    "Because you’re an asshole," she replied.
    He nodded. "Yeah, well, that's true, but not when it comes to you being happy. I think you should do whatever it takes to be that. You deserve it."
    "Okay," she said slowly. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"
    He laughed at that, nodding slightly. "I know. I'm not always the most supportive person."
    "When I wanted to learn how to fish, you took me down to the stream, and pushed me in," she countered dryly.
    Daniel rubbed the back of his head, blushing slightly. "Yeah..."
    "You told me to catch them in my mouth," she added.
    "I remember," he mumbled, looking anywhere but at her.
    "Like a dog," she finished.
    "Okay, so I'm usually crap at being a good brother," he admitted. "At least to your face."
    Chara arched an eyebrow. "And you've been so wonderful behind my back?"
    "Pretty much, I think, yeah," he told her with a smile.
    "Uh huh," she intoned, moving to sit, crossing her legs in front of her and resting the pillow on them. "So, that time you told Wally that I ate frogs, what was that?"
    "Give me a break," he exclaimed. "I was ten and you were eight!"
    "And Wally was cute!" she shot back.
    "So, you do think guys are cute," he quipped with a sly grin.
    Chara felt her face flush. "Sometimes. Depends on the boy. Girls are better, though."
    "I cannot argue that," he chuckled. "Have you slept with any?"
    "Like I'd tell you," she said hotly.
    He shrugged. "Just thought we could compare notes. No need to get all wound up."
    Giving a short laugh of outrage, she hit him with the pillow. "You’re a cad!"
    He laughed as he wrestled the pillow away and tossed it at her head. Catching it, she found herself smiling and returned it to her lap, settling into it. "Just Lucy."
    He nodded slowly. "I figured as much. She was always as much a tomboy as you. You two look good together, though, so that's great."
    "You think so?" she asked, looking up at him with uncertainty.
    "I do, yeah," he said, ruffling her hair. "I figure old John Kal will hit the roof, but you should go after what makes you happy. I've got your back with Mom and Dad, so don't worry over that, okay?"
    Feeling tears start to form, she sat up and hugged him tight. "Thank you, Daniel."
    "For what?" he asked, hugging her back.
    "Being the best brother in this world, and every other," she said, sniffling against him.
    "I really am, aren't I?” he joked.
    "Don't ruin it," she warned, wiping her eyes.
    He shook his head. "I'm not.