Page 51 of Back In the Shadows

“What made you try it?” Ryan asked Dr.Thompson. “To you she was dead.”

“We’re required to have continuing education, and just last week we talked about Advanced Shock State. I didn’t have the right equipment to help me determine if that was in fact what was happening, and I didn’t have time to locate what I needed. I just took action. At that point, it wouldn’t have mattered if it hadn’t worked, she was already gone.”

“Bass, did you hear all of that?” Ryan asked.

“Yeah, mate. Thank you, doctor … I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name.”

“Dr. Thompson, and you’re welcome. We’re just glad that Ella is still with us.”

I chewed on my lip as I watched Dr. Neely’s expression shift from relieved to quizzical.

“I don’t remember you having an Australian accent when we spoke,” the doctor said.

“When he’s really upset it kind of disappears,” Ryan chimed in quickly. “Clearly he’s calmer now.”

Sebastian cleared his throat but remained quiet otherwise.

“When can I go home?” The only thing I wanted was to have my husband’s arms wrapped around me.

“In a few days, but we need to know what you remember so we know what to keep an eye on.”

I closed my eyes as if struggling for the right words. I couldn’t admit that I’d been kidnapped and held captive by a lunatic. “We were out camping, and I took off by myself. I got lost, then when it got cold and dark, I tripped and fell. That’s the last thing I remember.”

“With a knife in your hand?” Dr. Neely gave me a skeptical look.

“I always have a knife on me when we’re camping. You never know when you’ll need it. I ran into a hungry wolf one time, and the knife saved my life.” I hoped my lie was believable.

“The fall would make sense. You must have rolled over the knife because we had to remove it from your thigh and repair your leg. You’re lucky it didn’t hit a main artery.” She patted my shin. “You should make a full recovery. Other than that, you have a concussion. The rest we’ve already explained.”

“Thank you all for taking care of my wife,” Sebastian said.

“You’re welcome. Ella, we will check on you in a few minutes. Press the call button if you need anything before then.”

“I will.”

“I’ll Facetime you in a minute,” I said to my husband and then I hung up.

When the door closed and the staff had given me a moment of privacy, I pushed the button on the bed and raised the head up enough for me to be able to hold the phone better. Seconds later, Sebastian’s face filled the screen.

I choked on my tears as we stared at each other in silence. His once vibrant blue eyes were now haunted by dark circles, and his pale skin showcased the physical strain of the past few days. Yet, even in his exhausted state, he was more handsome to me than ever before.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again, Ella. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I love you so much, and I’m glad you’re safe.”

I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. I should have been more careful.” My hand shook as relief flooded my system.

“Are you okay? Is … is Death okay?”

Sebastian gave me a sweet smile. “He’s the devil, baby. He’s ready to deal with matters his way, but we will talk about it later.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I love you. I love you both, don’t forget that.”

Sebastian frowned. “I don’t understand how. He even said what happened is his fault, but he’s been beside himself. Not sure if he’s just blaming himself like I am or if he really is responsible. If so, what am I supposed to do with that?” He looked away, shame flickering through his expression.

Everything inside of me wanted to reach out and touch my husband, comfort him. “We will get through this. All of us will, but I think Death will want to set the world right again. You’ll need to let him.”

“What does that even mean?” From the look in his eyes, he already knew.

Ryan cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but is there anything that you can tell us about where you were? Who took you? It’s important in case we can track them down.”

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