Page 23 of The Shadow Sanctum

“Get your fuckin’ hands off me.” Sawyer jerks from Joshua. He looks me up and down and shakes his head before turning and leaving of his own accord.

When we’re alone again, Thorne doesn’t mention Sawyer. For once, we don’t fight about it.

He takes my hand and gently turns me to face him. Kindness I don’t deserve. “What should I do about Aiden?”

The name is like a stab to the ear.

My eyes pinch shut, jaw clenching. I lower my head and try not to be ruled by emotion. Following my order or not, he betrayed the safety of the Shadow Sanctum. Just as I did.

As with Aubry—as with Zephyr—there is only one appropriate course of action.

My jaw releases as I raise my head. “I’ll arrange for the executions.”

CHAPTER 9

SAWYER

Athrobbing ache at my temple is the first thing I register when I’m roused awake.

There’s a jolt, along with a succession of muffled thumps, that slaps my cheek against something too hard for a pillow, too soft for a floor.

I groan at the white-flashing pain that shoots through my skull. When I try to open my eyes, they’re covered by cloth.

It comes back to me in flashes.

Thorne’s muted hatred.

My loose tongue—everything bottled up since our last confrontation spilling like acid.

His fist connecting with my temple.

Another jolt, this time accompanied by the short squeal of a suspension. I’m in a car—or more likely, an SUV—going down a bumpy road.

My teeth clamp in protest as I try to raise my head. I groan, but I’m promptly stopped and forced back to … a lap. Covered in wool. A hand, soft and delicate, weaves up my neck and into my hair, gently massaging my scalp while holding my head down. If I didn’t know her touch, I’d recognize Luna by the vanilla notes mixing with clean leather.

I barely bite back a groan as I force through the pain and pressure of Luna’s hand to sit up. I angle away from her and slump against the door of the SUV, easing my swollen temple against the cold glass, foolishly. As soon as we hit another bump, I’m hissing air through my teeth.

I let my head loll against the seat and try to blink. Only to rediscover the blindfold.

Am I dumb?

Why do I feel dumb?

“Relax.” Luna touches my shoulder with a delicate hand capable of damage far beyond what it portrays. Even her hand is a liar.

I jerk my shoulder until only the tips of her fingers graze my shirt sleeve. After a count of two, they pull away.

“You’ve been given something to disorient you. It’s all right. It’ll wear off in about an hour.”

Disorient me?

Why the fuck would they…?

“If you were going to stick me with a needle anyway, why did your boyfriend have to knock me out?”

“Shhh.” Luna gently grasps just above my elbow until I slam myself into the seat in front of me to get away.

“Do not fucking touch me.”