“We should get up,” they said. “I just left Jason out there, and we can’t stay in one place for too long.”
I tilted my head to the side. “Are you sure? Take whatever time you need. Jason probably sketched out a whole new piece on the napkins, and no one has entered this bathroom since we’ve been in it.”
Ursuline offered a strained smile, more of their lips pressing together in a tight line. They weren’t okay, but they pushed forward regardless, doing what needed to be done. I leaned in and squeezed them tight once more. Their scent was sharp, currants and brine, and I soaked it in, the feel of them, how they were here and real, even though they’d just shattered to pieces.
“I’ll be by your side no matter what,” I murmured into their ear.
They squeezed me back. “That’s the only reason I’m still fighting.”
I swallowed hard, my eyes burning again. Fuck.
My mind spun with the news dropped into our lap, even though I’d had a sneaking suspicion ever since I’d overheard the conversation between Arielle and her mother. The more stories that stacked up about the Triton family, the more I was grateful I’d run, even if I wasn’t sure where my destination would be.
I pushed up off my spot on their lap first, my legs creaking with the motion. Then we made our way to the sinks. Ursulinesplashed water on their face, but I didn’t bother. I’d never been good at donning a mask anyway.
I strode out of the bathroom first and spotted Jason in the same booth we’d left him. He hunched forward, his pencil in hand and his gaze intent on the table. When I got closer, as I’d expected, he was sketching out a piece on the napkins.
“Hey,” I said, grabbing his attention. “Sorry we were in there so long.”
Jason nodded. “I never wanted to bring that news.”
“I’m glad you did,” Ursuline said from behind me, their voice somehow sturdy. “I now know that the contract between me and the Triton family is void. I’ll take any bargaining chip I can get.”
“The server cleared your cups, but I can ask them to bring more,” Jason offered, though he squinted at Ursuline. “Except you’re heading out.”
I shook my head, warmth flowing through me. Jason was as blunt and insightful as usual. “I’ll message you when we get to safety.”
“Do so,” Jason said with a firm nod.
“Thank you,” Ursuline said. “For finding out.”
Jason nodded, but I didn’t expect more of a response. With that, Ursuline took the lead out of the Starlight Diner. The moment we stepped back into the sunlight, my skin prickled. A sense of alertness pumped through my veins, probably because Triton’s men could be prowling anywhere out here. The streets were busy, filled with cars bustling by and people on a stroll or brisk walk.
“Where is your apartment?” I asked as we stepped onto the sidewalk.
“I live about ten minutes from here,” Ursuline said. “A little spot in the arts district.”
My chest squeezed. Of course that was where they’d be—the exact area of the city I’d always wanted to live in. Everythingabout the way we came together, how we infused into each other’s lives, felt a bit fated.
A shadow from the alley to my right drew my attention.
Too late.
One moment, Ursuline was walking by my side. The next, three men dressed in black with masks over their faces surrounded them. Their eyes widened, and they twisted around. The second they saw the men in the nondescript uniforms, they froze. My gaze snagged on the Alpha Blue symbols on their shoulders.
A scream tried to rip past my lips, but it wouldn’t emerge.
“Get the Liquidium Industries file,” Ursuline shouted, snagging my attention. “Get Sofia.”
The men snagged Ursuline, dragging them back into the alley, and my whole body rocketed into panic. Yet my limbs wouldn’t move. All I could see was the flash of fear widening their eyes, their arms flying up in defense. The twirl of their tentacles as they tried to fight off these kidnappers. One of the men slammed a fist into their stomach, and another smashed the butt of one of their weapons against their back. Ursuline’s jaw dropped, and a howl emerged from them, one that made my cells vibrate with panic.
My mind spun, my legs begged to run, my insides rioted as wave after wave of panic crashed over me. One moment, Ursuline was struggling against their grip as they yanked them deeper into the shadows. The next, they’d vanished around the corner.
Gone.
I stood there, frozen, as my partner,my soulmate, was dragged away.
Chapter 29
