She tried to grip his hand, but even that subtle movement set the world around her spinning violently.
“Stay still,” he whispered. “I’m going to rub this over your wounds to stop the bleeding. Then you need to take some of my blood. It will help you heal faster.”
“How did you find me?” she asked, closing her eyes. The fear and panic leached from her body now that she knew she was safe.
“Aneka found me at the Serpent’s Den. August never showed up. We ran into Hella on our way to the townhouse.” Tristan ground out Hella’s name through clenched teeth. “Aneka assumed that this is where August would’ve taken you. She’s… she’s been to his torture chamber before.” Grief churned Cassandra’s gut, and her heart broke that Aneka had ever been forced to endure such a monster.
Tristan worked quickly, using featherlight strokes to paint her torso with the cool, tingling balm.
He bit into his wrist, then pressed it to her lips. “Drink, Cass,” he whispered, cradling her head.
She sucked down mouthfuls of his rich blood, and scintillating warmth spread throughout her body as drops of his magic refilled her, healing her final few cuts. That incessant itch at her back flared to life again.
He pulled his wrist away, his wound already closing.
“You’re going to feel light-headed for a bit,” Tristan said, scooping her up.
Her head lolled against his shoulder and the last of her fear dissolved, chased away by his strong arms before the darkness swallowed her.
CHAPTERFORTY-SEVEN
The group gathered at the bungalow, Tristan and Aneka flanking Cassandra on the couch, Reena draped in an armchair, and Hella standing at attention behind her.
Cassandra had awoken on the flight back to the bungalow, insisted that Tristan call everyone here so they could review the materials she’d found in August’s office. See if Reena could interpret that note. Plus, she wanted to hear how his meeting with Ronin had gone.
He’d protested, fiercely, claiming she needed to rest after her ordeal, but she’d insisted. Physically, she was only a little woozy from the blood loss. Tristan’s infusion had done plenty to restore her. She felt better than she expected.
Mentally, however… Every time she closed her eyes, August leered over her, scalpel in hand, his black-brown eyes glinting with feral glee, and nausea roiled her gut. She needed the distraction of the work, the distraction of plotting their next move.
“Can we get this moving, please?” Reena piped up, examining her long, matte-black nails. “I’ve got a bar to close and a gorgeous hunk of white-winged male waiting to warm my bed. No offense, Cass.”
Cassandra grinned, appreciating Reena’s priorities.
“You’re welcome to leave at any time, Reena.” Tristan flashed her a wicked smile.
“Fuck that,” Reena answered, sitting upright. “I wanna see what you all found. Curiosity kindles the cat.”
“I not sure that is right phrase,” Hella said, crossing her arms over her chest and aiming not-so-subtle glances at Aneka.
“It’s my phrase, sugar,” Reena winked. “Come on, Cass. Let’s see what you got.”
“I don’t want to see it,” Aneka croaked out, cowering beside Tristan. “The less I know about all of this, the better.”
“He’s gone, Aneka,” Cassandra said. “You’re free. We’ve arranged for you to travel to the Temple in Meridon. You’ll be safe there. The Sisters will watch over you.”
“I take you now, if want,” Hella stated. Perhaps in need of an escape herself. Tristan hadn’t said two words to her since she’d arrived at the bungalow. He was likely still upset about her security failure. Though Cassandra didn’t blame Hella; they’dbothmistakenly assumed the townhouse was empty.
Aneka cast a watery glance around the room, then pitched herself over Tristan and gripped Cassandra in a fierce hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Thankyou,” Cassandra responded, squeezing Aneka briefly before releasing her. “We couldn’t have done this without you.”
Aneka stood, glancing down at the short hem of her champagne silk nightgown. “Do you have any clothes I could borrow? The Sisters might turn me away if I show up like this.”
“They would never,” Cassandra assured her. “But please, raid my closet. Up the stairs, second door on your left. Take anything you want.”
“I wait out front, golden beauty,” Hella said with a sincere nod. Aneka blushed, then scurried up the stairs.
“Ready?” Cassandra turned to Tristan, who nodded, trailing a comforting hand down her spine, nestling his fingertips underneath the lace camisole she’d changed into as soon as they’d arrived.
