“And look what happened; hundreds dead,” Laz says, looking haunted. “It’s not your fault, Laz,” I reply, though part of me wants to scream, to blame someone, anyone, for this nightmare. “Let’s just focus on finding him.” As Axton makes call after call, his voice a low murmur in the background, Kr
I nod, grateful for their efforts but anxious for action. “Is there anything I can do? Anything at all?” “You could rest,” Axton suggests gently. “Keeping yourself healthy and alert is important, especially if we need to make quick decisions.” “But sitting here, waiting—it’s eating me up,” I confe
Niklaus I wake abruptly, gasping as ice-cold water splashes against my face, shockwaves of pain rippling through my body. My vision swims for a few heartbeats, then steadies, and the world snaps into sharp, unwanted focus. My muscles tense, my jaws clench, but the silver manacles bite into my ski
The cold seeps into my bones, the ache in my wrists a constant companion as I plan, wait, and hope. *** Verena I wake up in the middle of the night, my heart pounding as if trying to escape my chest. I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong, a sense of urgency gnawing at me. Without thi
Verena Kris arrives not long after dawn, her expression serious as she takes in my anxious stance. “Good morning, Verena. Axton told me you’re needing assistance with a tracking spell?” Kris’s voice is calm, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions inside me. “Yes, thank you for coming so quickl
The thought alone terrifies me. Axton’s fingers fly over his phone screen as he steps away to make the call. I clench the scarf tighter, feeling its texture ground me to the moment, to the reality of what we’re about to do. Kris’s hand rests reassuringly on my shoulder, reminding me I'm not alone i
Niklaus Pain surges through me as I slowly regain consciousness. My body feels like it’s been crushed, every movement sending waves of agony through my battered limbs. I’m slumped against a cold, hard wall, the rough surface scraping against my back. They’ve done a number on me, alright. I try to
Yeah, they’ve done a number on me, but I’m too cocky, too stubborn to show them any pain. When I get out of these chains, there’s going to be hell to pay, and I plan to deliver it personally. ***Fuck. Pain throbs through every inch of my body as I drift back to consciousness, the grimy floor of m