Page 22 of The High Priestess

“You too,” I grind the words out between clenched teeth to Knight. “Shut the door behind you on your way out.”

When he doesn’t do as I ask, a chaotic mess of emotions pours through me like a destructive force. Not caring about the pain, I swing around and start shoving him until he’s out of the room. The IV is ripped out of my hand, but I couldn’t care less.

I slam the door shut and quickly close the blinds while my body trembles severely, then sinking down to the floor, a silent cry rips from me.

I’ve lost everyone.

I cover my mouth with my hand to muffle the sobs as they burst from me.

What do I do?

How do I go on without my family?

I somehow manage to pull myself up off the floor, and when I slump down in the armchair, I take hold of Eleni’s limp hand, which still has a hint of warmth. Resting my head on her thigh, my shoulders shake as the sobs keep coming until it feels like I might hyperventilate.

God, I’m all alone.

I can only trust the alliance members to a certain point, and they’ll be expecting me to recover quickly and put my organization back together.

Otherwise, I won’t be able to contribute much to the alliance.

Jesus.

Panic pours through my veins while my sorrow keeps hitting me in relentless waves.

And the bratva will probably keep coming after me until I’m dead.

An audible sob bursts from me, and I quickly cover my mouth and press my face against Eleni’s leg to smother the sounds.

It feels like my heart is being ripped out of my chest, and the empty space is being filled with unbearable grief as I cry for everyone I’ve lost.

Devastated, the emotions keep growing and spiraling out of control. I can’t focus on anything but the loss I’ve suffered.

My breathing keeps speeding up, and a wave of dizziness hits.

I start passing out, and I can feel myself drifting in and out of consciousness, and I’m finding it impossible to pull myself together.

An arm wraps around my back while another moves in beneath my legs. It feels like I’m floating, and when I pry my eyes open, I see a brown shirt before everything goes black once more.

When I wake again, I’m lying on my bed. I’m too drowsy to open my eyes while someone places a blanket over me. I think it’s Knight.

A cool palm settles over my forehead.

“Sleep,” Knight’s rough voice rumbles softly. “I won’t leave your side.”

I don’t know why he’s here or why he won’t leave, but knowing he’s watching over me, I fall into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 8

CASSIA

I only eat the oats and honey because Jasmine insisted and Knight keeps glaring at me.

When I can’t force another bite down, I shove the plate to the side and look at the man who’s made himself at home in my hospital room.

When Dr. Anthony comes into the room, Knight instantly gets up from the armchair. I notice how his body tenses as if he’s getting ready to attack.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake,” the doctor says while glancing at the bowl of half-eaten oats. “Let’s take a look at you,” he adds while he checks my chart at the foot of the bed before coming to check my vitals. A sympathetic smile curves his mouth as he asks, “How do you feel?”

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