Page 109 of Bitten

Chapter Fourteen

A freed man…

Lying on the small cot in his cell, Kane scratched his chest. It still ached a bit, but had healed over, for the most part. He rose from the cot and paced the length of the cell, something he’d done for days now. He wasn’t the only one. A well-worn path was etched into the stone by those that came before him.

Those two days of solitude had allowed him to swim within all the memories circling inside his mind. He’d seen the horrendous things he’d done. The horrendous creature he’d become. And he knew how much he owed to Ralnur—and to Caelian, too.

There was still anger. Had Caelian not stolen the amulet, they wouldn’t have had to endure any of it. But the memories—and the emotion Caelian had felt in making that terrible decision—he felt and saw it all through blood memories from that last feeding. The fear. The internal battle. He’d seen it all… and it made it harder to remain angry.

Considering the ugly things he’d done under the sway of the bloodlust, Caelian had been punished enough in his opinion.

But would they forgive him?

Neither man had come to see him the past two days. He’d been left in his cell to wallow in those memories.

Footfalls came his way, and he turned—and saw Noah and Eilam approaching.

He moved toward the bars, hungry for any news. The guardsmen hadn’t said much to him, and the worry was eating him alive.

From the stern looks on their faces, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know whatever they had to tell him.

Neither one said anything as they stopped before his cell.

“Are Ralnur and Caelian safe?” he asked, widening his stance before hearing their news.

“They’re both fine. Ralnur is recovered. And Caelian is fine,” Noah answered. “I came to tell you that you’ve been expelled from the Guard.”

“I’m not surprised,” Kane said, resting his forehead against the bars. “When will I be judged?”

“You already have been,” Eilam answered.

He closed his eyes. “I get no chance to defend myself?”

“The king decided not to charge you with anything,” Noah said.

Kane’s head whipped up. “What?”

“I think your mates will better help you understand why,” Noah said, unlocking the cell door. “We’re here to escort you to them.”

Kane could only stare at Noah, even through the open door. “I’m free?”

Noah nodded. “Come on out.”

Kane slowly walked closer, sure they were going to slam it closed before he exited. He paused at the threshold, waiting.

“I don’t have all day,” Eilam said.

Kane took one step out and looked at both of them, shock filling him.

Noah closed the cell behind him. “Follow us.”

Kane followed the pair up through the dungeon and up the stone steps. They entered the main level, and he saw guardsmen standing watch at the top. Both turned to stare at him, odd looks on their faces.

But they didn’t stop him.

They traveled up the elegant, winding staircase and then up another set of stairs to the third floor of the castle—an area he’d been in briefly during his training. After walking down a long corridor, they arrived in the east wing of the castle.

Where Ralnur and Caelian stood waiting for him in a large sitting room, surrounded by the extravagant furniture and ornate decorations fitting the castle. Both men smiled widely. Ralnur stepped forward and opened his arms. Kane moved quickly and drew the warlock into his arms, holding the man tight. He sighed with relief before lifting his head to look at Caelian.

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