“Ryder. Ryder Caldwell.”
“The professional gambler? My father mentioned you once.”
“All bad things, I’m sure.” I laugh. “Look, I won’t pretend I’m a saint, but compared to those two? Let’s just say I know how to make sure everyone walks away happy.”
I see the moment her defenses start to lower—just a fraction, but enough. She’s weighing her limited options, and I’m carefully positioning myself as the least terrible choice.
“I...” She swallows hard. “Okay. But just... just don’t hurt me.”
“Great.” I step back, giving her space to breathe. The relief on her face is almost touching. Almost. “Come on, we should keep moving. They’ll be searching this section soon.”
I gesture down the corridor, and she hesitates only briefly before falling into step behind me. I lead her through a series of turns, deliberately taking us deeper into the maze rather than toward any exit.
When we reach a fork, I pause and turn to her. “Wait here a second. Let me make sure this path is clear.”
She nods, still wary but now dependent on my guidance.
I move far enough around the corner to be out of earshot, then press my finger against the coms in my ear.
“I’ve made contact. She’s hesitant but responsive. ETA seven minutes.”
Dominic’s voice sounds in my ear. “Status?”
“Frightened but trusting. She believes I’m helping her escape you two monsters.” I can’t help but laugh. “Playing the savior is deliciously effective.”
“Don’t rush it. The betrayal hits harder when she fully believes she’s safe,” Liam advises, always the careful one.
“Trust me, counselor. I know what I’m doing.”
I tap my earpiece once to disconnect, schooling my features into concerned attentiveness before returning to Cora.
“All clear,” I tell her with a reassuring smile. “Stay close.”
11
CORA
My lungs burn as I follow Ryder through the twisting corridors. Every shadow makes me flinch, every sound a potential threat. I don't trust him—I can't—but what choice do I have? Three predators or one. Simple math.
"In here," Ryder whispers, stopping at an unmarked door. "We can hide out until they give up searching this section."
I hesitate, eyeing the doorway. "How do you know it's safe?"
"I memorized parts of the layout before the Hunt." His smile seems genuine, concerned even. "Trust me, Cora. This is our best option right now."
Trust. Such a small word for something I've never been able to afford.
Ryder pushes the door open, revealing a dimly lit room with crimson walls. Something about the space makes my skin prickle—perhaps the plush surfaces or the restraints I glimpse hanging from one wall. But before I can process these details, Ryder's hand presses against my lower back, urging me forward.
"Quickly," he murmurs.
I step inside, hearing the decisive click of the door shutting behind us. For one moment, relief washes over me—a moment's reprieve from running.
Then movement catches my eye. Two figures emerge from the shadows on opposite sides of the room, their outlines becoming horrifyingly familiar as they step into the light.
Dominic. Liam.
My heart seizes. I back up instinctively, colliding with Ryder's solid chest.
