Page 83

The anxious, panicked faces of his parents appeared on the large console screen. His dad’s hands were clasped together as he leaned forward in his seat. His mom’s hand was pressed against her chest as she stared at Blaze with wide eyes.

“Blaze, what have they done to you?” His dad’s voice was strained and deep.

Damn, it killed him to see them in so much distress. “Whatever they’ve demanded, don’t pay it. These bastards will only cheat you.”

“You don’t give the commands,” Madrie said. “If you want to see your son alive again, you will pay the ransom.”

“If you pay them, they’ll still kill me. I’ll destroy them if they let me go. Don’t trust them,” Blaze said.

He was whacked on the side of the head by one of the Pecket guarding him.

“No!” his dad roared. “Don’t touch him.”

Blaze sank to the ground. His heartbeat was slowing, and he was icy cold. This was it. Game over.

“Get him up,” Madrie said.

Blaze was forced back on his knees.

“You have twenty-four hours to meet our demands,” Madrie said. “For every hour you’re late in paying, I’ll remove a piece of your son and send it to you.”

His mom gasped, her hand reaching out as if she wanted to touch Blaze. “You disgust me.”

Madrie shrugged. “I don’t give a damn what you think about me. I’m only interested in your wealth. Give me the money, and you get your son back.”

Blaze forced himself to look at his parents. His eyes tightened. “I’ll be okay. Don’t pay. There’s no point.”

His mom stilled then grabbed his dad’s arm. Her eyes widened as she leaned closer to the screen. “Why are your eyes no longer purple?”

A smile crossed his face. She’d understand why his light had faded. “I’ve fallen in love. And I’ve given the woman I love everything she needs to get through this.”

“You’re in love?” His mom glanced at his dad. “This female has taken everything from you?”

“Not taken. I gave it to her freely. She’s worthy. She’s unique. I hope that one day you’ll get to meet her.”

“I don’t care what you’ve given your whore,” Madrie said. “Agree to the terms of the ransom. Stop wasting my time.”

A knowing look passed between Blaze’s parents. They understood what he’d meant when he told them he’d given Eden everything. They also understood that this was terminal for him. When an Apexian was dying, the light in their eyes faded.

To give all your energy to another, pass on your strength and abilities, was the ultimate gift. A gift he wanted Eden to have.

His mom sat stiff and straight in her seat, anger and sadness in her eyes. “Our son is dying. Are you aware of that?”

“He’s been beaten up a bit for resisting. He’ll recover. That’s what Apexians do.” Madrie leaned closer to the screen. “Or not. Because if you don’t pay the ransom money, he’ll definitely die.”

Blaze shook his head a fraction. The idiot didn’t understand. He knew nothing about Apexian loyalty.

“You won’t get away with this,” his dad said. “You will pay for taking our son.”

“I won’t. You’ll be the one to pay,” Madrie said.

As they continued to argue, Blaze let his thoughts drift back to Eden, and he smiled. The Pecket could fight over his corpse. He’d soon be worthless to them.

He’d given Eden a chance of survival and escape, and he knew she’d take it. She’d get out. And she’d be free.