My hand comes away slick—his entire left side is soaked red, the bandage barely holding.
“Shit,” I breathe.
“Move back, Isobel.” Derek’s hands are gentle as he pushes beside me.
Derek’s fingers prod at the opening.
Luca blinks slowly, head rolling back. “Just… restin’ my eyes.”
“Hey, hey.” I lean in, slapping his cheek lightly. “Stay with me, Silvain.”
“He’s losing too much. That blade must’ve clipped an artery or something.” Derek grumbles
Noah slams on the gas. “ETA five minutes. I’ve already called ahead. Guild med team’s prepped.”
“Floor it, Vexley.” Max calls.
Derek grabs the rest of the bandage roll and presses it tighter, anchoring it with both palms.
“You saved my life back there.” Luca’s lashes flutter.
Jace sits opposite, silent, eyes locked on Luca.
“Didn’t want you to get skewered.” I give him a small smile.
“It would’ve… ruined my pretty face.” Luca’s breathing is shallow. He looks pale.
“Don’t be a damn idiot,” I say, my throat closing.
“Can’t help it,” he whispers, mouth twitching into the ghost of a grin. “It’s the charm.”
And then his eyes roll back and his body sags.
“Luca!” I yell.
Tex presses two fingers to his throat. “He’s still got a pulse—barely.”
The moment the van skids to a halt at the hidden Guild chamber, the back doors fly open. Two masked medical operatives rush in with a stretcher.
“Vitals are fading,” one says. “We’ve got him.”
I don’t want to let go. I don’t realize I’m still holding onto his arm until they pry my fingers away.
Jace silently steps aside, allowing them to lift Luca out.
As they carry him away, I watch the blood trail on the floor, my hands still stained crimson.
I hated him. But now all I can do is hope he doesn’t die.
I’m numb, nauseous, and exhausted. But there isn’t any time for that. Max, Derek, and Preston lead us down to the Guild chamber. The Guild chamber doors swing open with a low mechanical hiss, revealing the half-moon of masked figures already assembled. The obsidian walls reflect the pale torchlight, casting long, flickering shadows. I can feel the eyes on me.
My boots echo too loudly against the stone as I step inside.
Lucian stands at the far end.
“You completed the objective,” one of the masked elders says from his left.
“Yes.” My voice is low but steady. “The weapons have been secured.”
