I loved animals, but Richard used the aviary too often.
And so I decided on the barracks – the last place he’d look for me, thinking I’m too weak to handle Raza’s love of blood and violence. With Echo there, only helping to guard Richard when he leaves the city for extended periods of time or if she’s called on a special assignment, Jace agreed.
But as I’m rushing through the tunnels, away from him, all my heart wants to do is turn back. Whose arms do you fall into when the person you love the most is the one who hurt you?
But I told him our safe word, and he did not stop.
I begged him, and he carried on.
I don’t know how to forgive him for that.
I don’t know if I can.
But what I do know is that I am not as weak as he thinks I am, and I’ll prove it to him.
I’ll prove it to them all.
I blink rapidly when we finally step out of the tunnels and into a small office. Beside me, Fabia pops a cork back on a vial of red liquid. My puffy eyes widen enough to hurt.
“What is that?” I ask, staring at her hands, pretty certain I already know the answer.
“Blood,” she says nonchalantly.
“Why do you have it?”
She slips it into her pocket. “To access the tunnels.”
My heart stops. “Is it Richard’s?” I whisper. “Did you stab him?”
“Don’t be silly. It’s Nicholas’.” Crossing in front of me, she crouches in front of a mini fridge.
“How did you get it?” I ask as she opens the door.
“He’s a heavy sleeper.”
Horrified, I draw back. “You were in my bedroom last night.” My skin crawling, I rub my arms with a shudder.
Rolling her eyes, she grabs two iced coffees, then rises to face me. “Only royal blood can access the tunnels. I have no need to take yours. And it’s not like Jace doesn’t have a vial of Richard’s blood.”
“What?” This is not okay.
She shoves one of the iced coffees into my hand. “Drink. You’ll feel better.”
I don’t see how coffee will erase the thought of her and Jace drawing blood from people as they sleep, but I obey nonetheless. I didn’t have anything to eat last night or this morning, and my stomach is starting to rumble.
“A good little slut takes care of herself.”
I take a gulp, and my nerves do settle a bit. Sniffling, I rub a hand over my eyes as I look around the room. There isn’t much in it. Just a desk with a single photo and the mini fridge. Walking forwards, I pick up the frame. A woman and a little boy are smiling as they each hold up a throwing knife.
“Whose office is this?” I ask, not recognising the woman in the photo.
“Mine.”
I jump as Fabia winces beside me. Echo stands in the open doorway, staring pointedly at my friend. I gulp as I hurriedly place the frame back down. I didn’t even hear the door open. “You have a kid?” I ask, hoping to break the ice.
“No. What are you doing here?”
“We’re hiding from Richard,” Fabia says, taking a swig of her coffee.
