We arrived at the warehouse, nestled between the train tracks and the river. A sense of foreboding washed over me. From the outside, it appeared abandoned. The second-floor windows were broken, and our car sat alone in the empty lot. A knot tightened in my stomach as I scanned the surroundings. Where was everyone?
I listened, searching for anything that my eyes couldn’t see, but I was only met with the sound of our footsteps on the gravel and the distant rush of the river. I knew we were going to rescue Vail, but I couldn’t shake the longing for her presence beside us. Her magic would be helpful in this situation.
Connor swung open the door to the back of his van and clicked open the music cases, revealing an array of weapons neatly organized within. He retrieved a bag and slung it across his body and withdrew a compact crossbow, loading a wooden stake into its chamber.
Watching Connor add more wooden stakes to his bag, I couldn’t help but squint, wondering if he possessed any weapons beyond those made from wood. “These could seriously hurt or kill anyone,” Connor remarked. “I saw your look,” he added.
Next, he strapped long knives to each thigh; their metal flashed in the moonlight. My chest tightened thinking about my father’s old dagger that I used to carry for protection.
Opening a smaller case, Connor retrieved a handgun and passed it to me. I accepted it, feeling the weight of the weapon in my hand as I inspected it carefully.
“Do you know how to use this?” Connor asked.
“Yes.”
“Good.” Connor nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his features. “Hopefully, it won't come down to us having to use any of these. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. But I’d rather we have something than go in empty-handed.”
I nodded as Connor knelt in front of me, and he fastened a holster to my thigh. His hands worked swiftly as he secured the holster in place before placing the gun within it. He kissed my thigh and gave me a reassuring squeeze.
He rose to his feet, and his hazel gaze locked into me. He leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss born of urgency, as though he feared it might be our last.
“Don’t worry,” he murmured against my lips. “We will get Vail. She will be safe.” He kissed me once more, this time with tenderness. “Rose,” he whispered and took my hand, placing it on his heart. I could feel the rapid beating beneath my palm. “This is what you do to me.”
We approached the warehouse, and the open bay door revealed the dimly lit interior, where only a few flickering lights lit up the shadows. Our footsteps echoed in the vast space as we ventured inside. Then I saw her beyond the stack of crates. Vail, suspended upside down from a chain dangling from the ceiling, her long blond hair tangled and stained with blood. Thick ropes bound her arms tightly around her waist, while a tube snaked from her neck, leading to a bottle on a nearby table.
“Oh my god,” I gasped, my hands flying to cover my mouth in shock as I beheld the sight of my best friend teetering on the brink of death. Without a second thought, I rushed to her side, tearing the tube from her neck, relief flooding through me as I watched the wound slowly begin to heal.
Connor pressed a button on the wall, and the chain holding her started to lower. He took his knife and cut the ropes from around Vail’s body, and she flopped down into my arms.
“Vail, wake up,” I pleaded, holding her close. “We’re here to take you home. Please, wake up.” I shook her gently.
Slowly, Vail blinked her eyes open, her gaze meeting mine. “Hi, Rosie,” she whispered, and in that moment, tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I looked into her blue ones, overwhelmed with relief.
“Is she okay?” Connor asked as he knelt beside me.
“I don’t thinkokayis the word I’d use,” Vail replied, her voice strained with pain.
I planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “We need to get out of here,” I said.
“Leave without me,” Vail pleaded from between my arms.
“Are you crazy?” I asked her.
“It’s a trap—” she started.
Suddenly, the hairs on my neck stood on end as I sensed the presence of others entering the warehouse. Vail tensed in my arms, evidently sensing it too.
Turning, I saw Sam, Ivy, Diana, Donovan, and four unfamiliar faces entering the warehouse, all armed with stakes and crossbows.
“Pretty dramatic, don’t you think?” Connor called out to them, positioning himself protectively in front of me.
“You must think I’m an idiot, don’t you?” Sam retorted. “I know you’ve been sneaking around here; I have securitycameras.” He held up his phone, displaying photos of us in the basement and tunnels.
“We wouldn’t have to sneak around if you were honest with me. Why didn’t you tell me about all of this?” Connor gestured around to the warehouse, at all the pallets of drugs. “I can help you if you’re struggling,” He pleaded, his voice filled with genuine concern.
“You don’t get it, Connor. You’ve always been lucky; had everything you’ve ever wanted. How would you know?” Sam responded, frustration and bitterness seeping into his words.
“This isn’t you, Sam. I know it’s not,” Connor interjected, attempting to reason with him.
