Free Breathe (The Destiny Series: Book 1) by Christine Grey Page B

from her room and down the winding staircase, past the shocked faces of Daniel and Hugh, and out into the courtyard.
    Not knowing what else to do, the men followed behind her. The look they shared clearly conveyed their fear that Dearra had lost her mind, perhaps as a side effect to the terrible loss of Pip. They were not really trying to catch her, just follow her to make sure she wouldn’t hurt herself in her mad dash to Cyrus only new where.
    Coming to a skidding halt at the gate, she asked out loud, “Where now? I can’t remember where I was.”
    Take the path east out of the castle, cross the stream, and you should hear them. Hurry, girl!
    As she sprinted over the bridge, familiar voices came to her. The hatred and anger in their tone made her feet slow to a gentle trot so she could make out what they were saying more clearly.
    “Run him through!”
    “He’s half dead already.”
    “Evil spawn doesn’t deserve to live.”
    Dearra felt shock cross her features as she came around the small clump of bushes that had hidden the scene from view. This was not the behavior she expected from the people of Maj. Certainly, they had a right to be angry; their home had been invaded, their lives put in jeopardy, friends and family injured, and dear Pip had been taken from them. This last thought sent a shiver through her. But to speak with such bitter hatred and eager anticipation of the death of another, even a Breken, made Dearra’s blood run cold. Then she saw him and it all clicked together.
    Jacob stood back and a little away from the others, but there was no doubt in her mind as to who had stirred the people into this angry mob. Jacob was not born to the isle but had joined them three seasons ago. He seemed a quiet and unassuming addition to their group, but wherever trouble was, so too would be Jacob, usually whispering in someone’s ear. Her father tolerated Jacob, hoping that, eventually, the people of Maj would rub off on him, making him into a useful and productive part of the community. Dearra had her doubts as to their potential for success, but it seemed important to her father so she held her tongue.
    Sitting part way up, his back propped against a large stone, Darius held his sword out in front of him. It was a futile gesture; his arm shook so badly from the effort it took simply to hold the sword, there would be no force behind any swing he could manage. His black hair was matted from the head wound he had received from Daniel, and the blood that had run so freely had dried to form a gruesome mask covering the left side of his face. Dearra’s eyes met his for just a moment, but it was long enough to see recognition flitter across his features.
    “What’s going on here?” she said evenly, meeting each pair of eyes that looked to her own.
    Hugh and Daniel walked around the same cluster of bushes Dearra had passed and moved to stand behind her.
    “I said, what’s going on here?” her tone became sharper.
    Several of the people dropped their heads. Shame washed over them as they realized what they had been about to do.
    Jacob stepped forward, and with no hint of remorse in his voice as he addressed Dearra, said, “We were about to exterminate a pest, Dearra. You’ve been through enough today. Return to the castle, and let us deal with this unpleasant business.”
    “No,” she stated simply.
    Oh, that’s wonderful, girl. I am sure everything will be fine now.
    “You be quiet,” she mumbled. “I can handle this.”
    Concerned glances flitted about the assembled group at what appeared to be Dearra speaking to herself. But one set of eyes widened almost imperceptibly as Darius, from his prone position, looked first at Dearra and then to the sword she held.
    “I don’t understand, Dearra,” Jacob said, speaking as if to a half-wit. “No? You wish to kill him yourself, then?”
    “There has been enough pain today, Jacob. Are you so eager to bloody your hands against this defenseless man? Besides, he