Page 95 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

My heart rips open, the pain far worse than anything King could do. There was no option, not anymore. Luna would die if left here and Alana soon after if I didn’t do this.

My heart constricts at the impulsive decision I was about to make.

There was only one option.

Not overthinking it, I look at Jazmyn as she waits for my decision.

“Let’s do it. Switch one out.”

She heads straight to her kitchen to gather a few items.

“I’ll need a strand of hair from the replacement.” As she lines up a couple of jars with dark slime and strange stick-like insects, she takes out her phone, and texts who I can only assume is her sister, and the second part of the plan.

“Who are we switching out?”

“Me.”

Jazmyn freezes giving me a shocked look. “I mean, are you sure? I can’t change it back once it’s done, not in the time frame we have. And King—”

“It’ll be fine.”

A sad look takes over Jazmyn’s usual bold manner.

“I… I’m sure.” I’d have time to deal with the implications of my decision later. Luna didn’t have the time to wait around.

“Do you still need the other one, for removing the binding spell from the hotel?”

“Ye… Yes. I still need that one.”

“Okay. You’ll have eight hours to make it back here before it rebinds itself.” She nods her head, giving me a knowing look. “I’ll make sure the rest is done.”

“Thank you.” I turn to leave when she calls out.

“After this is all done, stop by anytime, okay?”

I swallow the lump in my throat. That’s right, now that I won’t be going anywhere, I’ll see her around.

That’s if King doesn’t lock me up or bury me alive… again.

I give her a small smile, thanking her, before leaving.

Moving through the hallways, I find a quiet spot. Sending Kai a quick text, I tell him what Jazmyn said, leaving out any details that would hint about switching places.

He replies immediately, asking for a place to meet up with what I need.

I text back, telling him a place and time for tomorrow. I couldn’t meet up now, not with the way I feel.

Blinking away the tears threatening to spill, I head to one place I can be alone. At least for a bit.

I look around the small dingy room I used to hide in after a bad torture session with King. Sometimes when I’d head back to my room, King would follow for another round. I could never heal as quick, knowing he could come by any moment and attack.

Finding a little space that no one knew about made me feel a bit safer.

Even for one night.

I ignore the incoming texts and calls, letting the darkness swallow me for a few moments.

My plans are ruined. They’ve turned to ash and floated up and away with the harsh breeze.

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