Page 131 of Bloodstained Wings

We’ve never been apart for this long. And it’s making me angsty and restless and keeping me up late into the night.

Only the thought of the life growing inside of me gives me any kind of incentive to do anything. Because I know that I need to stay healthy for our baby. Our baby needs me more than I need Carter.

I huff. “Fine, can you at least get in touch with that guy who delivers stuff? I need a few things from the pharmacy.”

Tristan purses his lips together. “Write it down.”

“Why don’t I just carve it into the wall like other prisoners?” I grumble before shifting away from him. I feel Tristan stare at my back, but I don’t acknowledge him. Instead, I step into the kitchen and rummage around for a pen and paper. After writing down a few things, including a few vitamins Sam recommended, I hand Tristan the paper.

He folds it and places it in his back pocket. “Anything else?”

“I’m going to be a little late for dinner, warden.”

Without waiting for a response, I turn my back on him and hurry down the stairs to the basement. I flick the lights on and wait for my eyes to adjust. The pool is covered, and there is state-of-the-art equipment to work out on, but none of it feels impressive.

It feels cold and impersonal. And they’re all covered in a thin layer of dust. I hate this place and everything it represents. It’s not the haven Carter wishes it was, through no fault of his own.

Frowning, I find a clean rag and wipe down the treadmill. Then I power it on and bring my arms up on either side of me. While I walk, I wonder how much longer I’m going to be staying here.

And whether or not Carter is going to keep his promise.

News has been scarce, with Tristan only giving me the bare minimum regarding Carter. Not being able to see him is hard enough, but not being able to hear his voice is worse.

Still, I know it’s for the best; otherwise, I’m going to sink further into my depression. My frown deepens as I change the speed on the treadmill and move faster as if I can outrun this place and everything it represents. An hour later, Tristan’s footsteps reach me, and he emerges carrying a plastic bag in his hand.

He sets it down on the floor and straightens his back. “Any preferences for dinner?”

“I didn’t know I had a choice in any of this.”

Tristan runs a hand over his face. “I don’t want to be here either, Isabella. Do you think I like knowing that I’m stuck babysitting while the rest of the Blackthornes are out there fighting for our future?”

I jab the stop button and wait for the treadmill to slow to a halt. “Then let’s go back. We can both be useful, Tristan. You know that Carter needs me right now, and I know he needs you.”

Tristan shakes his head. “Not as much as he needs you to be safe. I’m not going to make that mistake again, Isabella. Carter and I might have our differences, but I know how much he cares about you. I’m not taking you back.”

I give him a blank look and press my lips together.

Tristan’s expression hardens. “Look, I don’t care if you sulk or pout or whatever it is that you want to do. I’m here to keep you safe.”

“I’m not a child.”

“I don’t fucking care,” Tristan snaps with a sweeping hand gesture. “We’re both here whether we want to be or not, and it’s because of Carter. So do with that what you will.”

With that, he spins on his heels and leaves.

As soon as he does, I sink to my knees and draw my legs up to my chest. Tears stream down my face when I bring my back to rest against the wall and squeeze my eyes shut. I’m dashing away the tears and ignoring the damp smell that’s making my stomach recoil when my phone rings.

Sam’s number flashed across the screen. I let it ring for a while.

When I answer on the last ring, Sam sounds relieved. “I was beginning to worry.”

“I’m not mad at Tristan, not really.” I twirl a loose thread around my finger. “He’s just following orders. I know that, but he doesn’t have to be such a dick about it.”

Because it reminds me too much of Carter and what I’ve left behind. I don’t even know if Carter is coming back to me. And the thought keeps me up long into the early hours of the morning.

I can’t eat, and I can’t function.

And I hate that I’m locked up in my gilded cage while Carter is out there, fighting for the future of his family. While a part of me is proud of him for standing up for what he believes in, the other part wants this to be over.

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