The moment they register the recognition on my face, both men light up with excitement before they remember we’re still in enemy territory and shush each other.
So, it was all a lie? Did Visha lie about everything, or just the attack? What else did she fake? Is Papa alive? And my mate? Was his death real, or a disgusting scheme to break my soul?
The constant ache in my heart, which has haunted me for my part in destroying my kingdom, becomes a little bearable. I still don’t know if Papa is okay or if my best friend made it out alive, but seeing my fellow Horsemen standing before me gives me hope.
“And I’m thePrince of Famine.” Angel’s friend bows his head. I mirror his gesture, assuming it’s a new custom, only for both men to snicker.Weirdos.
“It’s good to finally meet you, Princess Nevaeh.” Angel gives me a soft smile.
It’s strange to see someone smiling at me without malice. It’s even stranger to hear my name spoken out loud. Harvey was the only one who called me by my name in that dungeon.
“Let’s get moving before more of those things show up.” Angel offers me a hand, but the action is so sudden and foreign that my broken mind thinks it’s a threat, and I flinch violently.
I squeeze my eyes shut and brace for the blow. Logic is screaming at me to snap out of it, but old habits die hard.
Come on, Nevaeh, don’t act batshit crazy on your first meeting with them.
I slowly peel my eyes open. One hand is clutching the kid protectively, the other raised in front of my face on instinct.
I lift my head and freeze. Angel is crouched right in front of me. Closer than he is supposed to be. The concern on his face makes me wonder how hard I hit my head last night.
Is he worried about me?
I scoff at the silly thought. That’s impossible. Why would he worry about me? He probably thought I was going to lose it and accidentally kill him or his friend.
When I have taped my sanity back together, I give Angel a casual nod, acting like I didn’t just flip my shit over a man offering me a helping hand.
Angel’s eyes don’t hide his unease, but he doesn’t say anything. This time, when he reaches for me, it’s more tentative.
My conscience screams it’s a bad idea, but since I can’t trust my own mind, I choose to ignore the suggestion and gingerly place my hand in his. I grip his hand tighter, not wanting to let go of the only source of warmth I’ve felt in years.
Is he too hot, or am I too cold?
I exhale shakily and ask him to pull me up, but the white-hot pain in my leg knocks me straight back down, erasing the little distance I had managed to lift.
Shit, that hurts.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I try not to let the pain show on my face, but I don’t think it works because Angel still seems worried. Even the other guy—whose name I should’ve asked by now—cautiously asks how he can help.
Angel’s eyes flick to the bone sticking out of my knee. He lifts a brow, silently asking if I want to try again. I shake my head vigorously. I’ll scream if I try to move now.
I can’t walk, and we can’t stay here forever. Their only solution is to leave me here. I don’t care about myself as long as they agree to take the boy with them.
I’m about to beg Angel to take Monkey and run when he surprises me.
“Can you pass the kid to Seiji, sweetheart? He can hold the boy while I help you. Is that okay?”
It takes me a second to get over the way he said,sweetheart.His voice, like his eyes, is gentle. Calming. If I weren’t half dead on enemy turf, I would’ve dozed off because of his soothing presence.
After repeating the offer in my head, I realize his idea is much better than mine. Begrudgingly, I let Seiji take Monkey from my arms and bite my tongue to stop the onslaught of threats at bay.
Stop it, Nevaeh. He is trying to help. Be grateful they are not leaving you here to die.
“If he wakes up, give him back immediately. He freaks out if anyone other than me comes close to him.”
“Noted.” Seiji’s face shows nothing but sincerity for the first time since we met, which I realize was only ten minutes ago. The teasing smile forever plastered on his face is nowhere to be seen.
Angel doesn’t offer to help until I give him a nod. I squeeze my eyes shut and brace for the pain. I almost passed out last time. I lift my arms, ready for Angel to pull me up, but instead, arms snake under my thighs and back, and I’m lifted off the ground.
