Page 87 of Queen of Wrath

Not so confident now, are you?

“This isn't the end,” Diesel growled as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a strange maroon-colored powder that I'd never seen before.

It reeked strongly of something rancid. So much so that I even held my breath.

He threw the powder up into the air, and a black portal appeared before him.

“No!” Emory shouted as he rushed forward.

I jolted forward as well, along with the entire team of rebels. We all moved in on Diesel, but before anyone could reach him, he jumped through the portal and disappeared into thin air.

“Damn it!” Emory raged, kicking up debris from the street in frustration.

I stared in disbelieving rage at the place where Diesel had just disappeared. He’s gone… If Emory hadn’t stopped me…

I was about to direct all of my fury at him when I sensed another pair of eyes watching me intently. I looked over at Jax and found it was his.

“That pelt of yours looked so familiar…” He seemed to say it more to himself than to me. He searched my face for my reaction, but I gave him nothing.

“Emma, look.” Emory hummed in an attempt to distract me. He’d likely felt the aura of murder directed at him a moment ago.

The moment we were alone again, though, I knew I’d be getting an earful from him about what I had been about to do with that potion.

I glanced past Jax to where he was pointing, and saw many people of the city slowly coming out of hiding.

They looked frightened, and some appeared to be wounded.

A few of the rebels walked behind them.

Everything was quiet, the air filled with confusion.

That was until someone shouted, “Who’s responsible for this?”

The others began to murmur among themselves.

The same name echoed throughout the crowd. Diesel.

I have a feeling this isn't going to end well. Their blame will start with Diesel, but they’ll likely decide to come after Jax right after. He’s a Ransom and Diesel’s nephew, after all. Fame and prestige aren't going to stop a frightened and raging mob looking for someone to pay for everything that’s happened.

I wanted Jax to suffer, but I didn't want to watch him be torn to pieces in front of me.

Then someone began shouting. “We were fine until Diesel brought crime and destruction to the city!”

Fear and accusations spread through the crowd like wildfire.

My eyes gravitated over to Jax again, who remained still through all the shouting. He was probably in shock.

What are you doing, you idiot?

“Jax.” He turned to me with weakness in his eyes. “You need to go. Right now.”

His brows furrowed. Even as his entire world came crashing down around him, he was reluctant to abandon it. But there was understanding in his eyes; he knew the crowd would soon turn their righteous anger on him.

I didn’t want to see him get eaten alive out here, so I urged him to leave once more. I was willing to keep him alive. That was it. After this, the authorities would likely start hunting him, and that wasn’t my problem.

“Come with me.” He reached out for my hand, but I pulled away from him.

His shoulders fell as he read the rejection in my eyes.

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