Page 292 of Halfblood Deceived

The storming pain in his chest popped out of existence, leaving behind a heavy malaise.

Zeydan had suspected he had created a stronger connection between him and Aella the night of the ball. When she drank his blood, he felt as if part of him had taken permanent residence inside her. He had been reluctant to admit it was a soulmate bond, but this was blatant proof of it. It was incomplete, and yet powerful enough to let him feel her strongest emotions as if they were his.

He understood then why Gabby had been so scared and angry at Lex after the battle in Ancora.

He understood then why some immortals refused to create bonds with their mates.

“It’s gone, the pain,” he blurted. “But—she’s alive. Still alive.”

Diana placed a hand over her mouth, but a sob escaped. Kamilla and Aylana both wrapped an arm around her.

Something buzzed against Zeydan’s thigh. It took him a moment to realize it was his phone.

On autopilot, he took it out of his pocket and answered. “Yes?”

“Do you know who took Aella?” Andreas asked.

Zeydan blinked. “How do you—”

“Aroth mentioned it when he came here to pick up Kerian and Kamilla,” Andreas interrupted. “I have a general idea of where she is. She’s in Massachusetts.”

“Back in Massachusetts,” Zeydan said, voice hollow. Where they’d met. He knew who’d taken her then. “With those gargoyle beasts. With that fucking bastard, Micah. They took her back to him. It has to be them.” Waves of numbing pain rippled across his body.

Diana placed a hand against her chest. “No. No, goddess. No.”

Aylana and Kamilla cursed soundly, horror dawning on their faces.

Zeydan felt as if the room were upside down.

Aella had been taken by that beast who broke her spirit. And he hadn’t been there to stop it. If they hadn’t fought, if he hadn’t been so fucking stupid…

Andreas cursed something rotten, even by his standards. “We might know where in Massachusetts they’re keeping her. You should come back here.”

“I’m on my way,” Zeydan said, straightening. He was still lightheaded. His skull seemed to want to rip itself apart, but he ignored all that. Aella needed him, and he would come for her. No matter what.

“Aroth,” Kerian called. “Can you take us all back to the mansion?”

The demon arched a brow. “How many times do I have to tell you I’m not your bloody taxi, Kerian?” Still, he approached them.

“Jasmine,” Kamilla said. The small half-fey met Kamilla’s gaze. “Thank you for your help. Please keep what happened a secret.”

Jasmine took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. What should I do with Glenda’s dead body? And someone needs to go after Hudson—”

“I’ll take care of the body later,” Aroth offered, stunning Jasmine and Zeydan too. “And you should not go after Hudson, Little one. She’d hurt you.”

“Aroth is right, Jasmine,” Kamilla said. “Stay on the premises, and pretend everything is well. But be careful not to be alone.”

Jasmine bowed her head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can to assist you,” Aroth promised Jasmine.

She gave Aroth a wide-eyed look, perhaps confused by his kindness and gravitas. “Alright.”

Aroth offered one hand to Zeydan and one to Kerian. “Shall we?”

Zeydan took the demon’s offered hand and reached out to Diana, who gripped him hard. Kamilla took her brother’s hand and Aylana’s. The werewolf-fey closed the circle by interlocking her fingers with Diana.

Smoky darkness wrapped around them, whisking them away.

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