Page 93 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“I’ve basically just been grounded for six years.”

“Don’t lie to us or yourself.”

His words hit harder than if he had slapped me.

“I’m—” I shake my head, more at myself than them. What was I supposed to tell them? That I was broken beyond repair? That King had left scars much worse than the physical torture I’d endured?

I didn’t want to see the pity in their eyes when they found out the truth, or the guilt for blame they didn’t own.

“Look, forget about the past, it doesn’t matter—”

“Like hell—” Jax starts, but we’ve wasted enough time here. Finding out Luna was tagged changed everything. I needed to get to Jazmyn as soon as possible.

“I have to go. I can ask my contact about adding Luna to the spell.” I give Luna a warm smile.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Be ready for Friday.”

She smiles, thanking me.

I turn toward the door when someone reaches out and grabs my arm from behind.

“Where are you going?” Jax demands. The guys are right behind him, their furious eyes asking the same thing.

“I have a couple of errands that can’t wait.”

“Stay here, it’s safer, or let us go with you,” Luka pleads with me.

“I can’t hold up here. If we’re leaving Friday, I have things I have to do before then.”

“What if Kaladar finds you?”

“He won’t. I’ll make sure of it. I know my way around this building like the back of my hand. I’ve been here long enough.”

Guilty expressions are mirrored on the guys’ faces.

“Let us help you,” Luka pleads.

“No need, I have it sorted.” I give him a reassuring smile.

“Kiarra, come on?” Luka pleads again.

“Once we get her trace sorted, you can all leave.”

Kai’s eyes narrow. “With you, you mean? I told you, we’re not going anywhere, not again.”

“Kai—”

“Go do what you have to and be careful,” Kai says, ending the conversation.

“You’re our mate, Kiarra. We’re not going to leave you in this hellhole,” Luka says.

I swallow the hard lump in my throat, not able to reply to their declaration. Turning around, I quickly make my way out of the basement, not looking back. Knowing if I did, I wouldn’t want to leave.

Luna now depends on me. Getting her and Alana both safely out of the city is my main priority.

I need to stay focused. We’re so close to reaching the end of that dark tunnel.

The thought alone of us all being free from King’s grasp gives me so much more than a future.

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