Page 82 of Blood Caged

A shiver of gooseflesh ripples over my skin. “You wouldn’t.”

“Wouldn’t we? You saw how easy it was to dispose of your little friends. Lucien will give the order without a moment of hesitation. Besides, he has his eye on a target that’s infinitely more powerful.”

“Kara,” I gasp. “Please, Heath. Please don’t do this!”

“Actually, it’s Rowan. Seems she’s come into her own since you’ve been gone. Amazing how much can happen in a year.”

I hear a choking sound and realize that it’s me. My throat feels like it’s closing. I can’t draw air.

Oh God, I’ve been here a year. I’ve lost an entire year of my life thanks to these power-hungry maniacs.

I stare at Heath, my mind reeling from the onslaught of information and threats. But Heath isn’t done. He seems to be reveling in my distress.

“You know,” he says, casually leaning against the wall, “I always wondered what it would be like to see a Blackwood truly broken. Gotta say, Mia, it’s quite the sight.”

I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to lash out. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Heath’s eyes glitter with malice. “Oh, immensely. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to see you lot taken down a peg or two. Always so high and mighty, thinking you’re better than everyone else.”

“We never thought that,” I protest weakly, but he waves it off.

“Save it. You didn’t have to say it. It was in every perfect spell, every flawless ritual. I spent my life growing up in your shadow. Well, that time has passed.” He pushes off the wall, stalking toward me.

I take an involuntary step back, my heart racing. “I’m sorry if we ever made you feel that way. It wasn’t intentional.”

Heath laughs, the sound harsh and bitter. “Oh, that’s rich. The great Mia Blackwood, apologizing. Too little, too late, I’m afraid.” He leans in close, his breath hot on my face. “But don’t worry, I’ll make sure your sisters get a proper welcome when they arrive. Maybe I’ll even give them the grand tour myself.”

The threat in his voice is unmistakable, and I want to scream, to fight, to do something. But I can’t. I’ve never felt so powerless in my life.

“Anyhooo…” Heath snaps off a mock salute. “I’d better get going. Things to do, witches to kidnap, and all that good stuff.” With a final smirk, he turns to leave.

I stare at the closed door, bile rising up my throat. Heath’s words echo in my mind, each one a dagger to my heart. Rowan. They’re going after Rowan. My little sister, who I’ve always felt the need to protect, is now in danger because of me.

I sink to the floor, my legs finally giving in. The cool tile presses against my skin, but I barely notice it. All I can think about is Rowan, her face etched in my mind. Her warm smile, her tortoiseshell glasses slipping down her nose as she bendsover a spell book, her frustration when her magic doesn’t work quite right.

“No,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “No, no, no.”

I curl into myself, wrapping my arms around my knees. Tears burn hot trails down my cheeks, but I don’t bother to wipe them away. What’s the point? I’m trapped here, powerless to help my sister, powerless to warn her.

A sob tears from my throat, raw and painful. I’m so damned useless. Even when I was first captured, even during those long months in that cold cell, I always had hope. I always believed I’d find a way out, a way to get back home.

But now? Now I know the truth. I’m nothing but a pawn in their game, and my family is collateral damage.

“I’m sorry, Rowan,” I choke out between sobs. “I’m so sorry. I should have been stronger. I should have found a way out.”

But I didn’t. And now Rowan will pay the price for my failure.

I don’t know how long I sit there, lost in my grief and guilt. Time seems to stand still, each second an eternity of pain and regret. All I can do is pray that somehow, some way, Rowan will be safe. That she’ll be stronger than I was. That she’ll find a way to escape the fate I couldn’t.

But deep down, I know it’s a foolish hope. If they want her, they’ll get her.

Just like they got me.

28

Chapter 28

Soren

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