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“Juliana, right?”
I manage a nod.
“I’m a doctor. Is it alright if I examine you? I did a preliminary exam when you first arrived, but I would really like to do a more thorough one. Then we can get you healed up a bit quicker. Alright?”
I nod, and she stands, revealing her tall frame, to go about her routine.
The entire time I keep my eyes on her. She asks about taking a blood draw at some point, and I guess I agree because I can feel the needle in my arm seconds later. Other than that, the exam passes in a blur. When she’s done, she sits down on the edge of the bed.
“It looks like you’ve been through quite a lot recently. You have four broken ribs and cuts that will need to be stitched. But I think overall you’re going to be okay.” She smiles at me. “I’m going to leave you for a while to rest, but I’ll be back soon to do your bandages.”
She squeezes my hand before she gets up and leaves. I can’t help but wonder where she came from.
First, Griffin found me and took care of me. Then two strangers whisked me away because Jay is searching for me. Now I have this woman’s full attention as she mends my wounds and makes me whole.
When she comes back, I gather myself enough to finally speak. “What’s your name?”
“Oh! Sage, my name is Sage.” She smiles as she speaks, then gestures to the corner. “And the lurker over there is Cy. You’ve already met Ember too.”
I look at Cy and find him with a stern, serious expression on his face.
What is his deal?
Our eyes connect, and there’s a flash of an unidentifiable emotion that sweeps across his face.
Refocusing on Sage, I continue my questioning. “Where am I?”
She looks over at Cy before answering my question. “I’m not sure I can tell you, but know you’re safe here.”
“They said Jay sent them to get me. Where is he?”
“I don’t know, darling. I only just got here. We can ask Ember when they get back. In the meantime, let’s get you patched up and change your bandages.”
A knock at the door announces Ember’s entrance.
The first thing that strikes me is their unnaturally blue hair. Its midnight hue perfectly balances their warm complexion. Everything about them seems calculated to minimize and hide their exquisite beauty. Neither masculine nor feminine, it’s like their uniqueness highlights their most authentic form. They walk with a purpose, and the movements are articulated as they approach.
They direct their attention to Sage first. “How is she?”
“Well, she’s awake, so how about we ask her directly, shall we?” Sage teases.
Ember’s gaze locks with mine as they approach me.
“Where’s Jay?” It’s the concern running circles in my mind. I need to know where he is. Why isn’t he here?
Sage sighs, and I feel a flame of anger ignite.
“We told him to stay away,” Ember offers.
“What! Why?” I make no effort to keep my voice contained but my words are still a little sluggish.
“There is a lot of fallout happening after our exit the other day. We didn’t want you going directly back to him in the case they sent someone after you. If you go to him, they’d track you down there, and we don’t want to risk they’ll find you. “
“That’s not your call to make,” I snap. “If he hired you to come get me back, then you still haven’t fulfilled your agreement.”
“Our contract with your friend requires us to ‘acquire and ensure the safety of’… You’re not getting out of here,” they respond.
I stare them down.
