Page 87 of Hellebore

“Please be careful,” she says, voice shaking.

I nod once, then turn and leave before I lose the will to go. In the living room I open the hidden safe, retrieve my duffel bag filled with weapons, fake IDs, and burner phones, and sling it over my shoulder.

Briar’s father… he is already dead. He just doesn’t know it yet.

I lock the heavy front door behind me and step into the cold night air. I grab my phone and text. “Keep an eye on her.”

“Already here,” Enzo replies instantly.

Good.

I start the car, the engine rumbling like distant thunder. The hunt begins.

Chapter Twenty-Six

BRIAR

Isink deeper into the warm water, letting it soothe my aching muscles. Every part of me hurts in the most intimate, overwhelming way. My body melts into the heat, but my mind refuses to quiet. I am completely alone in this enormous gothic mansion, surrounded by stone walls and shadows that seem to watch me.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

I cannot leave. Not with those twins out there. The memory of them still sends ice down my spine. I had been running, so careful, so sure I was alone, until a pair of strong, tattooed arms wrapped around my waist like steel bands. I had screamed until my throat burned, but he lifted me as if I weighed nothing. Then the second one stepped in front of me, face hidden behind that eerie skull mask.

They are out there as Drystans’ watch dogs… And there are the cameras he has in this place…

I glance nervously at the corners of the ceiling and walls. “Where the hell did he put the cameras?” I whisper into the steam.

I sit up slowly and reach for my favorite orange blossom shower gel and conditioner. Everything here is perfect. Every scent, every texture, chosen for me. The only thing missing is Lucille.

I step out of the tub on shaky legs, wrap a soft towel around my body, and spot the phone he left on the bed. My heart leaps. I snatch it up, unlock it with a simple swipe and stare at the single contact saved, his number.

I have to try.

I tap in her number. The call connects for half a second before the screen flashes: No service.

Of course.

A tear slips down my cheek as I sink onto the edge of the bed. I miss her so much it physically hurts. She must be losing her mind with worry.

The phone pings with a text.

“You can call Lucille. Do not tell her where you are or ask for help.”

My stomach twists. He’s monitoring everything. Can he hear the call too? I don’t care. I won’t put her in danger either way. I tap in her number again. It rings once… twice… three times.

She answers, and I let out a sob.

“Hello? Briar? Is that you? Please, God, tell me it’s you!” Her voice cracks, thick with tears, and the sound breaks something inside me.

“It’s me, Lu,” I cry out, unable to hold it back. “It’s me. I’m safe.”

“Where are you? I’m going to the cops right now—we’re going to find you.” I can hear her moving fast, breathing ragged, keys jingling in the background.

“No, Lu. Stop. Please, just wait and hear me out first.” I stand up, clutching the towel tightly against my chest with one trembling hand.

“Where are you?” she demands, voice rising with panic and hope.

“Lu, sit down, okay? I have a lot to tell you, but I need you to stay calm and listen.” I clear my throat, trying to steady myself. There’s a long pause, then her shaky breath.