I press a kiss to her forehead. "Don't get yourself killed. That's not a request."
"I'll try," she offers. "No promises."
"Talia—"
"I'll try," she repeats firmly. "That's the best I can do."
It's not enough. But it's all I'm going to get.
"Go," I tell her. "Before someone notices you're gone."
She pulls her hood back up, glances at the Viper headquarters. "I'll contact you when I have something. Burner phone."
"Got it."
She starts to walk away, then pauses. "Asher? Thank you. For not trying to drag me home."
"Don't thank me yet," I respond. "If this goes sideways, I'm going to be very smug about being right."
She actually laughs—a real laugh, surprised and genuine. Then she's gone, slipping back across the street and disappearing into the shadows.
I stand there for a long time after she's gone, staring at the building where my baby sister is planning to kill three men and probably die in the process.
Henry would've known what to say. Would've talked her out of this, found some other way.
But Henry's dead.
And I failed him.
I'm not failing Talia too.
I climb back into my truck and light another cigarette, my hands shaking slightly.
Somewhere across town, Xavier is lying in a hospital bed with Valentina, both of them hiding their own secrets.
Zay is probably lying awake, trying to figure out what I'm not telling him.
And I'm here, watching a building full of enemies, wondering how I'm supposed to protect my sister when she's running toward death like it's salvation.
Dawn breaks over the city, painting everything in pink and gold that feels too beautiful for how ugly everything's become.
I failed Henry. Couldn't save him from Marcus and those three Vipers.
But I'm not failing Talia.
Even if it means going to war.
Even if it means burning the Vipers to the ground.
Even if it costs me everything.
She's my sister. And I'm bringing her home alive.
No matter what it takes.
4
VALENTINA
