“Over there!” someone yelled.
The footsteps veered away.
My breath hitched. Tears spilled before I could stop them — silent, shaking. I didn’t know how I was getting out of this.
I bit down on my fist to keep from making a sound.
Time stretched.
When I finally dared to move, I eased toward the door and peered out. The yard lay empty. No movement. No voices.
A hand clamped over my mouth.
I was yanked backward into darkness.
Chapter 22
Seph
I kicked wildly against my attacker.
“It’s okay! It’s me,” Dev hissed in my ear.
I spun around, and there he was.
“Oh my God, Dev,” I breathed.
His face softened for a half second, with relief. His hands clenched like he wanted to hug me.
I pulled my hands into my sleeves and moved into his orbit instinctively. I rested my head against his chest and felt his arms go around me loosely, in case he triggered me.
“Jesus, Seph, do you know how worried everyone is?”
We heard the soldiers coming closer.
“We need to get out of here. They won’t be far.” Dev said, touching my arm. “Come on.”
I fell into step beside him, forcing my legs to keep up.
“How did you even find me?”
“I’ve been scouring this place all day. When I heard them chase a girl from the market, I knew it had to be you.”
“The soldiers wanted to test my rating. They had APA scanners.”
“I know. This place is a damn Light-user stronghold now. Why the hell would you come here?”
“I didn’t know where else to go! I was hoping to find a map or something. Anything so I could findyouagain.”
He stared at me, something softening in his eyes. “Seph – “
“I’m sorry Dev. I’m so sorry.”
“It’ll be okay. We’ll get out of this. We’ll hide, rest and then I’ll arrange a way out. Do you trust me?”
“With my life.”
He gave me a crooked grin. “Come on.”
