“Agreed,” Felix says, already scanning the area for threats.
Together, we make our way through the labyrinthine corridors, our footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor, while Blaze supports Aksel. We go back down into the tunnels. Felix stays ahead, using his superior senses to detect anyone approaching.
Anna stays close to Aksel and me but I’ve finally stopped bleeding so she turns her focus on him.
We finally emerge from the confines of the prison, the night air cool against our skin. The moon casts a pale light on the car waiting for us in the shadows.
Aksel actually tries to get in the driver’s seat like he’s not in horrible shape.
“Hell no. You’re not driving. Get in the back with me,” Anna snaps at him.
He listens and Blaze drives instead.
“Everyone good?” Griffyn asks once everyone is in the car.
As Blaze starts the SUV, his eyes dart between the rearview mirror and the road ahead.
“Define ‘good,’” Aksel mutters darkly. As the car speeds away from the prison, he leans his head against the window, staring silently into the distance.
“Rion,” Anna murmurs, turning towards me. “Are you okay?”
I take a deep breath before replying, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m fine. Mostly healed.”
She lifts my shirt off and uses it to wipe up the blood.
“It’s still raw but it is healing,” Anna tells me.
“Should I take my shirt off too so Anna can ogle me?” Griffyn asks playfully.
“If anyone gets attention it’s Felix for feeding Rion.” Anna presses a soft kiss to my lips before turning back to Aksel and fussing over him.
I’m starving but I know we have blood at home so I just need to get there.
As we drive through the night, I can’t help but wonder what this means. Our actions tonight are going to have consequences.
Twenty Nine
Anna
I scoot closer to Aksel on the plush leather seats of the car. The bruises on his face make my heart ache, and I can’t help but feel worried for him. “I was so scared when I heard what happened,” I confess, my voice trembling slightly. “I’m just glad you’re okay, Aksel.”
“I missed you too,” he says quietly, his heterochromatic eyes – one brown, one light blue – meeting mine with a mixture of gratitude and pain.
I reach over and gently cup his face, my cool fingers ghosting over the dark purple bruise that mars his face. “You shouldn’t have gone through that,” I whisper fiercely. “No one has the right to hurt you like this.”
Aksel’s gaze softens at my words, and he leans into my touch, soaking in the attention I’m giving him.
“Anna,” he murmurs, his brow furrowing with worry, “you don’t need to be concerned about me. I can handle myself.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should have to,” I argue, feeling protective of the man who’s become such a significant part of mylife. Despite his tough exterior, I know that Aksel is vulnerable, and I want nothing more than to shield him from any further pain.
As we continue our drive home, I stay close to Aksel, offering him comfort and support. I keep checking on Rion too. Watching him be stabbed will rank as one of the worst moments of my life.
I look into Aksel’s eyes, searching for reassurance, and find it in the determination that shines there.
We step inside the house.
“Guys,” Aksel begins, his voice hoarse and strained. “Roner Reme and his wife came to my cell, drugged me, and beat me up.” He pauses for a moment, gathering his strength. “They made it clear that they know about my plans to bring down the fighting ring.”
