Page 28 of Hell Storm

I spotted the one I earmarked the day before, and then rushed over to it. For the most part, it was constructed using the same basic tech I was used to, but I took note of a few obvious differences. Like how the seat had been upgraded from the one typically outfitted by the factory, to one more ergonomically correct. And how small sensors had been placed on either side to alert the rider when they drifted toward other vehicles. There were a few other details, but nothing that would keep me from riding.

Helmet.

The thought prompted my gaze to drift left, to where I’d seen the row of them when I came with Elle.

Racing over, I reached for a sleek one with a fully blacked-out face shield. The more discreet I could be during my travels, the better. I tucked it beneath my arm, deciding that since I was already robbing Julian blind, I may as well be thorough. A dark leather jacket hung on a nearby hook, and I grabbed that too.

Rushing back toward the bike, I set the helmet on my duffle bag while I worked. Getting this thing going would cost me valuable seconds, but it wasn’t like there was a key lying around anywhere. So, instead of daydreaming about how convenient that would have been, I made quick work of locating the ignition cable, and removed the socket. While I was at it, I did myself a favor and disabled the GPS as well.

A quick scan told me exactly what items I’d need to finish the job, and I didn’t waste time gathering them. I‘borrowed’a wire from the bike beside me, and managed to snip and fray the ends with cutters from a toolbox against the wall. After twisting the ends with my fingers, I prayed in silence, holding my breath while waiting for the roar of an engine.

And when the beast growled with life, the corners of my eyes stung with fresh tears.

One step closer.

It was too soon to celebrate. Instead, I slipped my arms into the stylish leather jacket I’d stolen, and hiked the bag crosswise over my body before hopping on it. Double checking my cargo, I realized I’d forgotten something vitally important—my purse, which contained my bracelet, my com. Leaving it off all this time had been intentional. It was imperative that I reserve the battery for this very moment, when I could finally tell them I was coming home. However, I’d come too far to turn back now. It’d been too close a call as it was. I’d just have to do without it.

Carefully, I weaved through the rows of bikes, and then through the narrow door separating this room from the one that housed Julian’s extensive car collection. I didn’t stop until I reached the large garage door that, once lifted, would expose me to whomever and whatever roamed the palace grounds at night.

I slipped the dark helmet onto my head and left the bike for only a moment as I walked toward the large button on the wall. I’d waited for this opportunity since the first day I was captured, and now it was here.

My plan was imperfect, my way unclear, but there was one thing I knew for certain.

If there was any love powerful enough to make you risk your life running away from Ianites in the middle of the night, it was the love of family.

And I was willing to lay it all on the line for mine.

CHAPTER TEN

Corina

There wasn’t much chance I’d slip out of here unnoticed, so I shifted priorities. The time to be quiet and timid had passed, taking a backseat tofastandaggressive.If I stood a chance at making it off palace grounds alive, those were my only options. I had a death-grip on the handlebars while taking a final breath beneath the helmet.

“Corina? What are you … what are you doing?”

The frantic voice rang into my ears, surprising me, sending a wave of panic through my entire body.

I hadn’t anticipated this—Elle’s consciousness having access to Julian’s helmet like she did his vehicles.

“You can’t be out here,” she warned. “If the guards catch you, they won’t be lenient.”

She wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know.

“Elle, just … I can’t stay here. It’s important that I go.”

No one was more aware of my shortening timeline than I was. Already, several days had passed since first being bitten, which meant I no longer had a full two months to help my team. There was still so much to do before then.

It seemed to hit Elle suddenly that I wasn’t just going for a joyride. But as intuitive as she was, she must have sensed I wasn’t like most girls who were taken as Dolls. I couldn’t make myself forget my life from before and just … submit. That simply wasn’t in me.

“You’re running,” she concluded in a surprisingly lucid tone. “They’ll be killed, Corina. All four princes. Do you realize that? Do you have any idea what they’ve risked to save you?” The genuine desperation in her tone made me forget she wasn’t human. With the emotion she conveyed through these panicked words, it was easy to do.

Revving the engine, I pulled out of the garage with no clear plan for how to exit, but knowing I’d find a way.

“They did those things to save Julian. Not to save me,” I corrected. “Therefore, me leaving isn’t a betrayal.”

“Is that really what you think?” I was grateful I didn’t have to look into her eyes when she asked. “If that were the case, if it truly was all about Julian, don’t you think they would have just gotten rid of you? Had you punished like anyotherimposter would have been?”

This couldn’t happen. I couldn’t have Elle in my ear when there were so many important decisions to be made. The noise I created had likely already gotten the attention of the guards, so I didn’t have time to waste.

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