Chapter 22 All I Ever Wanted

"It was all a blur after that. I tried to run away with the two of you, but the attackers just kept coming until finally Raven made it back from the palaces and helped clear the way." Jos buried her face into his bare chest as she continued with the morbidly depressing tale. "Raven had assumed your mother had already died and had went in search of your father but fell under attack inside the palace." New tears streamed down her cheeks. "By the time she'd reach the main chambers it was too late." She wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Had I stayed with her that day or in the very least had better control over my powers, your parents may still be alive."

"Shh…" Russ rocked her in his arms. His own tears burned his eyes. "You can't blame yourself. You did all you could." He stroked his hands down her back as he held her head tightly against his chest. "You risked your life to save Shelly and I then, and you risked it again two days ago to save her again. You're no monster, Jos."