What the—
Unexpected physical contact is a trigger for me. I wait for the panic to consume me, for my fight-or-flight response to kick in, but all I feel is the sheer amount of heat radiating from this man. The comfort of his arms and my lack of fear at our proximity stun me into silence. I can’t think of a single protest.
What kind of witchcraft is this?!
Angel’s hold on me is strong, not enough to hurt, but enough to keep me firmly in place. I’m so dumbfounded, I don’t even notice my treacherous arms are now looped around his neck. I stop squirming the second I look down. Falling from his height would definitely leave a bruise.
How fucking tall is this guy?
“Relax, Nevaeh, I won’t drop you. I’m sorry I didn’t stop to ask, but I couldn’t just stand by and watch you hurt anymore. Ihad to do something.”
His voice is so gentle. So damn comforting.
I don’t trust it. I can’t.
“The kid—”
“Still unconscious. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him for you.”
Can I trust him? For all I know, his kindness could be a trick. He could be waiting for the right opportunity to attack.
How can I drop my guard when I don’t even know where he’s taking me? What if I blackout and he steals my little boy? What if he dumps me back at the witch’s doorstep? I would rather hammer nails into my eyes than go back.
In the end, my exhaustion wins over my anxiety. My head falls on Angel’s shoulder, too heavy for me to hold up anymore.
I’ll rest my eyes for a minute, then I will track the path we’re taking in case I need to escape later.
Angel’s chest vibrates when he says something to Seiji, and I burrow my face further into the crook of his neck—my need for warmth overriding any sense of shame.
“Sleepy?” The way my body goes from stiff as a board to limp in his arms must answer his question. “Take a nap, sweetheart. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
His words barely register. I know I should stay awake because falling asleep means enduring another nightmare, but his arms give me a sense of safety I haven’t felt in a long time.
Cocooned in Angel’s arms, I let myself drift off. I know this warmth won’t last. I’ll be alone and cold again tomorrow, but for tonight, I indulge in the fantasy of having someone to rely on.
4. One look and I’m a caveman
Anxo
Since the day I was crowned Horseman of Conquer, I’ve carefully cultivated my reputation as a ruthless leader, one who doesn’t hesitate to punish anyone who dares harm his family. It became my mission to make my enemies tremble at the mere thought of hurting those I love.
They began to fear my unrestricted show of power. Every drop of blood I spilled sent a clear message—don’t cross the Horsemen.
Six years ago, when the Horseman of Death forced my father off his throne so I could take over, we both knew it was for the best.
I’ll admit the pressure and responsibilities were crushing for a 17-year-old. But when the previous leaders were either consumed by grief or drunk on power, someone had to step up.
While kids my age were living their lives, I was holed up in my office, keeping the kingdoms from falling apart.
I had a new enemy to conquer at every turn, but my duties never distracted me from searching for our missing Horsemen. It gutted me to watch the kingdom mourn their future leaders when I knew in my heart they were still alive.
The day Nevaeh and Harvey were stolen from their homes, the entire supernatural world was thrown into chaos. We had our fair share of enemies, but none had ever dared to make a move against us.
The kidnappers left nothing. No trail. No proof of life. No one to retaliate against.
Until now…
One of the many spies I had scattered across the realms burst into my office last night. The warrior barely allowedhimself time to catch his breath before he told me what he had found.
