Page 106 of Rescuing Sophia

Heart pounding, I crouch low. “Hold on tight, buddy,” I murmur, feeling Luke cling tighter as the chopper’s spotlight cuts through the storm.

"Go!" Ethan’s command snaps through the storm.

I push off, my boots finding purchase on the slick rocks as I sprint toward the lines. Luke's weight makes every step feel precarious, but there’s no time to think, just react. The sea roars beneath us, the wind yanks the line back and forth, and I lunge forward, grabbing the rope with one hand while keeping Luke secure with the other.

Luke clings to me, his arms tight around my neck. His heartbeat pounds against my chest, matching the rapid thrum of my own.

The rest of the team clips in, one by one, until it’s Ethan’s turn. He’s the last to attach, taking position as the final link on the line.

“All set, HQ. Get us out of here,” Ethan signals through the comms, voice steady, despite the chaos around us.

The helicopter winch whirs to life, the line pulling taut as we begin to rise, slowly at first. The ground drops away beneath our boots, jagged rocks and surging water growing smaller as we ascend. All ten of us—six team members and four rescuees—dangle beneath the chopper in a single line, the wind battering us from all sides.

Luke tightens his hold on me, his head pressed against my chest.

“It’s just like flying, remember?” I murmur, though the wind rips the words from my mouth before I can tell if he heard me.

We rise higher, the storm pressing in, but the winch holds steady. Slowly, we’re reeled toward the safety of the helicopter. I focus on the weight of Luke in my arms, the tension in the line, and the rhythmic hum of the rotors above us.

Finally, as we near the belly of the chopper, a hand reaches out, pulling us in. One by one, each team member and rescuee is hauled into the safety of the aircraft. The storm rages outside, but inside, there’s a sense of calm—a breath we’ve been holding for too long, now finally released.

We’re safe. All of us.

For now.

THIRTY-EIGHT

Blake

The rhythmic thrumof the plane’s engines vibrates through my body as I make my way to the rear of the plane.

Sophia’s huddled on a bench, a blanket wrapped tightly around her shoulders. Luke is fast asleep beside her, his small hand clutching her shirt. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the world stands still.

“Blake,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the engine noise. Her gaze is distant, likely filled with painful memories.

In an instant, I’m across the compartment, kneeling before her. Her face is gaunt, and there are dark circles under her eyes, but a fierce light in them takes my breath away.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice rough with emotion. “Did they hurt you?” Silly question. Malfor did far more than hurt her.

Sophia shakes her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m fine. I’m so sorry. I never wanted to betray you, to betray the Guardians. I had no choice. They had?—”

“Luke,” I finish for her, glancing at the sleeping boy. “Your son.”

I settle on the bench opposite her, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “Why didn’t you tell me?” We’ve had thisconversation before, but it was in the heat of a battle. I have so many questions.

“I told you.”

“Tell me again.” I place a hand on her knee rather than pulling her into my arms. That’s what I want, but my senses tell me it’s too soon for her. “Tell me about Luke.”

She takes a shaky breath, her hand absently stroking Luke’s hair. “I couldn’t tell anyone. Malfor threatened to kill him if I… If I…” Her entire body shudders.

Again, I want to hold her, but she needs to do this alone.

“I want to explain everything. You deserve the truth.”

“I’m listening.” I steel myself for her words.

Her eyes cloud with painful memories as she begins her story, her voice low to avoid waking Luke. “It started long before Malfor took Luke. It started with his conception.”

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