Page 74 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“Trust me, I can get her out.” I take another step back, ready to turn, when Rion reaches out and grabs my hand.

“We do,” he says, giving me a fierce look. “We just also need you to be safe.” The others nod at Rion’s words.

I swallow the lump twice before replying.

“I’ll be fine.”

Rion nods, reluctantly releasing me as he takes a step back.

“Be careful.”

Before I leave, Axel comes up to me, irritation seeping from every pore in his body. “Try not to get yourself killed,” he grits out before heading in the opposite direction.

Luka shakes his head, watching the whole thing before sending me a small smile.

He mouths, “Be safe,” before following Axel.

"Come on, buddy. Let's go have some fun." The mischievous smile on Jax's face promises nothing but trouble as Drax follows him like a good puppy.

Rion, and Kai watch as I turn around. I feel their stares follow me as I leave.

Shaking off my confused thoughts and feelings, I move quickly, turning my focus to Luna.

Like last time, I avoid running into any of the guards, not wanting them to spot me. I make it to the stairway and use the service hall.

Once inside, I make sure no one is around before making my way toward the west corridor and Kaladar’s quarters.

There was no point trying to go the back way like last time, not if Jax and Luka’s little distraction worked and pulled most of the guards away from their posts.

Listening out for anyone, I exit the stairs, keeping watch for any guards still around. Once I’m close to the entrance of his floor, I hide behind one of the large white posts in the hall and pull out a couple of vials I got from Jazmyn. A thank you gift for the blood I got her. Jazmyn’s knowing smirk flits across my thoughts as she hands me the vials.

Just in case you run into trouble.

I shake my head, a smile on my face. Jazmyn had become an ally of sorts these last few months. With her powers, I’m glad she didn’t see me as an enemy.

Concentrating on the task at hand, I sneak out, inching closer to the target while keeping an eye out for anyone coming.

Glancing quickly around the corner, I spot three guards keeping watch.

Great. Kaladar must have upped his security.

Tucking one of the vials back into my pocket, I glance down at the second one, hoping Jazmyn is right, and this shit is strong enough to knock all three out for a while.

Here goes nothing.

Just as they look in the opposite direction, I roll the vial on the carpet to them and quickly duck behind the corner.

I count in my head to three, only getting to two before…

“What the hell—”

Listening out, three large thumps sound around me, telling me the coast is clear.

That was quick.

Making a note to never piss Jazmyn off, I peak around the white post, finding the three guards spread out cold on the floor.

I creep over, tipping the closest guard with my boot.

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