The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) by Brian Terenna (motivational books for women TXT) 📕

“It’s over now,” says Alexander, looking more flustered than in the middle of battle.

I look back and forth between them. “What did he give him?”

Nav looks at Alexander, and when he doesn’t say anything, she says, “He gave the guard his dad’s gold medal to get the base codes.”

My eyes widen at that. He gave it up to save me, and Americus, I guess, but still. Diablo.

Alexander’s lips turn down. “He was already thinking about deserting, and he thought it was pure gold,” says Alexander. “The fool. It’s silver in the middle. Plus, we were going to kill him if he didn’t. I carved Fiore on the back so I can find it again.”

I look at him and admire the side of his rugged face that’s unburnt. He rescued me and gave up his medal. I can’t believe I ever doubted him. “I’m sorry you had to do that.”

He waves a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing. I’ll win several once this is over.”

I glance at his bandaged eye, not as sure. “Yeah, but it was your dad’s.”

A grimace touches his face. “Do you seriously think I hesitated for even a moment? I was ready to risk my gorgeous body for you and Americus.” He looks down at himself. “Well, formally gorgeous body. Either way, it was an easy decision.”

Nav and I share a look and shake our heads.

Nav’s expression darkens. “I know it will be tough to talk about, but I need to know, Fae. What happened to my dad?”

I knew that she would ask, but the words slam into me like a mortar round. I can’t hide this from her as I did her husband’s death. I hid that for too long now to tell her, but this is fresh.

I rub Sunny’s dent. “It was hell, Nav. Captain Bosu ordered his guards to power drill Americus’ feet and hands for hours. He didn’t give up anything until Bosu broke my first arm. Then Bosu shot Americus seven times in the legs. The guards had given him a coagulant to slow his bleeding and more blood so they could torture him for days until he gave up Gabriel. If he didn’t break, they were going to install the Evo and kill him afterward.”

She gasps. “Oh my God.” Then her shock turns to anger as she clenches a fist. “That scum, Bosu, will rot in hell forever for what he did.” She shakes her head with a growl.

My heart flutters, and I step back.

“Wait. If they were going to torture him for days, why did they kill him early? Did he give up Gabriel? Or try to escape or something?”

The world spins around me, and I expect at any moment for it to unravel like poorly designed code. I want to lie as I have my entire life. But how can I lie to her again after all the wrong I’ve done to her? My legs wobble, then give out from under me. My knees hit the grass, but I manage to stay on them.

“He was in so much pain, Nav,” I say. “He was screaming for hours. You have no idea how horrible it was and how much agony he was in.”

She kneels in front of me and rests her hands on my shoulders. “What? What are you saying?”

“He wanted me to do it; he told me to do it. I didn’t want to,” I say frantically.

Her eyes widen, and she steps back from me. “Tell me what happened.”

I open my mouth to talk, but no words come out.

“What happened?” she demands.

I force myself to speak. “After a while…the guards holding me grew lax. I slipped out of their grip and stole Captain Bosu’s gun. I knew there was only one bullet left, and they’d capture me again, but I thought it was worth it to kill Bosu. Americus told me to kill him instead. He didn’t want to give up Gabriel and thought there was no hope, just like me.”

Nav stands there in shock, Alexander looks dumbfounded, and Sunny grabs my hand.

I bow my head. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry. Please Nav. You have to understand. I didn’t want to.”

I feel her hand rest on my shoulder again, and I hesitantly look up.

“I’m not mad at you. It’s terrible, and I’m heartbroken, but every ounce of my anger is directed at the NIA. You were right to grant my dad’s wish. I don’t even know how he held out during all that pain. And even though I don’t like Gabriel, I know my dad would have hated giving him up.” She pulls me into a tight hug.

I bury myself in her embrace and break down into tears.

Alexander rubs my shoulder, and Sunny pats my arm.

“I would have done the same thing, Fae,” says Alexander. “I’m sure he was grateful.”

I feel sick that I caused Americus’ death and Alexander’s injuries. Despite my failings, my friends risked everything to free me, and I love them for it. I’ve been wary of people my entire life. Trusting them has always blown up in my face. But it’s different now. Before, I was staying until I atoned for the blimp disaster, but now I pledge myself to them no matter what. Not just out of guilt for what I did to Nav but out of love for what they did for me. I’ll protect them at the risk of my life because now, nothing is more important to me than my three friends are.

I look at them with awe, meeting each of their eyes. “I really thought I was finished at that prison. The fact that you guys rescued me means everything. No matter what, I’m here for all of you, and I’ll never leave.”

“I