Mercer's men opened fire.

The market has exploded.

Thomas's resistance was responsible from windows and roofs.

Samuel pulled David behind a snowdrop.

The blood wet his shirt.

Mara sat next to him.

"No."

David smiled poorly.

“You have always chosen terrible men.”

He laughed through the tears.

“Shut up.”

“I’m Trying.”

"David."

His eyes turned to twins.

“They are mine.”

Mara has frozen.

“What?”

David coughed.

“I lied.”

“Why?”

“Because my father said he would kill them if they didn’t help him break their claim.”

Mara grabbed her hand.

“The idiot.”

"Yes."

“You are an absolute idiot.”

"Yes."

“Do not die.”

David smiled.

“I’ll try not to do it.”

Then he closed his eyes.

— —

PART 7 — THE LAST SECRET OF MERCY RIDGE

The battle ended before dawn.

Sheriff Mercer was captured.

Abram Weller ran away.

Silas Creed is gone.

Half the city burned.

But most people have survived.