Page 130 of BounBound By Scars

Reaching into my jacket, I pulled out my knife and found the RLM tag near my heart—a nearly invisible bulge embedded under my skin.

I didn’t hesitate.

The blade sliced clean, taking a chunk of my flesh. Blood welled fast. I dug my fingers in and yanked out the chip—bandaging it quickly.

The second it left my body, Blackthorn’s Command Center would get the alert.

‘Kabir, Inactive.’

No more tracking. No more pings.

I was gone.

I turned the ignition and peeled out of the south exit.

I realized I was wrong before.

It wasn’t just Zane who would hate me.

They’d all think I betrayed them.

Dylan. Ghost.

Leora. Delara. Sebastian.

They’d hate me.

Fuck!

Logan and Kaylan.

I sniffled and rubbed a hand on my face—trying to keep the tears at bay.

Screw it.

If keeping Amelia alive meant becoming the villain—

Then I’d burn down the world in silence.

And let them call me traitor.

THIRTY

Amelia

ONE WEEK LATER

Shit.

I winced, squeezing my eyes shut as light pierced through my skull like a blade.

Something warm wrapped around my hand. A squeeze. Gentle. Anchoring.

“Fuck… she’s waking up.”

Another voice—relieved, choked—“Finally.”

A shout followed. Urgent. “Call Kaylan!”

---