Page 27 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“It’s okay, it’s just a small spell bomb. It only lasts a couple of minutes. They won’t be able to hear us.”

Her shoulders drop in relief.

“Listen, I might have figured a way out for us both.”

I know I made the right decision telling her when I see a slight glimmer of hope and excitement in her eyes.

“Truly? You found a way out for us? Both? I’m not leaving here without you Kiarra.”

My eyes burn as warm tears threaten to fall.

“Yes, for us both,” I rasp out.

“Oh Kiarra.” Her happy smile lights me up on the inside as she reaches out to hug me. Her frail body feels weightless as I hold her tight, not wanting to let go but knowing our time will be up soon.

Reluctantly, I pull back and grab the items from the concealed pockets in my jumper.

“Here, I grabbed what I could.”

I hand her the bag of chips and water. She reaches out to them tentatively, a small smile on her lips. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“You won’t, please, take them.”

She grips the bottle of water like a lifeline. My heart breaks when I see her try and fail to open the lid. I quickly open it, helping her take small sips.

I swiftly wipe away a lone tear, opening up the healing ointment and get to work on any visible bruises and cuts. After a couple of minutes, I have them all covered. There’s a dark bruise above her right eye that looks nasty. I apply an extra layer just in case.

Finishing up, I hand her the last of the ointment, telling her to hide it along with the small stash of food.

“Thank you Kiarra, you’re too good to me.”

“I wish I could do more.”

“You do enough, and we’ll be together soon, right?” The glimmer of hope returns to her eyes, awaiting my reply.

“I promise.”

She gives me a warm smile, reaching out to embrace me once more. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”

If only that were true.

A loud banging interrupts our moment, bringing me back to reality. “Time’s up.”

“Soon,” I promise her placing my finger on my lips, silently asking her to keep quiet. She nods her head, a determined look in her eyes.

“I love you, little one.”

“I love you too, Alana. Stay safe.”

I give her one last look, trying to remember every little feature before I make my way to Marcus’s replacement.

A new minion has taken his place. One I’m not familiar with. He must be new. King likes to take on fresh blood every now and again, especially when he’s killed off too many of his recruits for the smallest infractions.

The newbie dips his head in acknowledgment as I pass him, no sneer in place. It shocks me silent causing me to frown.

“Is everything alright?”

My frown deepens, waiting on the snide remark or cruel comment telling me he’s joking, but it never comes. He continues to stare at me, his own frown forming.

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