Page 67 of Revenant

I don’t argue. I don’t look back at Eryx, though I feel the intensity of his stare burning through me.

“Enjoy what’s left, Pryce,” Eryx calls after us, his voice dripping with contempt. “She’s already been used twice today.”

Heat flashes through my veins again, the magic under my skin flaring, but Pryce doesn’t slow as he pulls me toward the door.

And I know, with absolute certainty, this isn’t over.

Koen is already in his room when Pryce brings me in through the west wing. “She stays with you,” he says, voice clipped. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

Koen’s eyes flick to my neck, his expression going rigid. “What the fuck happened?”

“Eryx happened,” Pryce mutters. “Just—stay with her. I’ve gotta find Sage. And make sure Eryx isn’t out there causing more damage.”

My brows pinch together, confusion fighting with the heat rising at the back of my throat. “You’re leaving?” I ask, turning toward him, but he won’t meet my gaze. Figures. I haven’t exactly made it easy since I found out he lied to me—about what or rather who I am. I pulled back first, I know that…But this? Him deciding to go check on Sage, now of all times? Part of me wonders if it’s worth the effort to forgive. He did just come to my aid when I needed him most, but I’m not sure if that excuses his actions after the fact.

“She’s been alone too long,” he answers. I don’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, I turn to Koen and shut him out. If that’s his priority, so be it.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, love.” The second Koen’s hand touches my back, I lean into it, letting him guide me toward his room. Irritation bleeds down my spine as Pryce’s stare burns into the back of my head.

The bedroom swallows me in shadowed opulence. Charcoal walls are lined with art I can’t name, each frame catching the dim light. He walks me through the front room, my eyes don’t wander, the effects of today sinking into deep depths. I should have known an entire wing housing the five of them, they’d have curated something resembling their own apartments. A plush rug softens my steps as we enter his bedroom, tucked beneath the four-post bed sitting in the center, burgundy sheets folding into themselves where the chandelier spills fractured light. The faint scent of rose and bergamot lingers in the air, and every piece of furniture, from the armchair tucked into the corner to the desk against the wall, seems arranged with precision.

He doesn’t say a word for several beats, and in that silence my heart kicks into overdrive, pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears, leaving me dizzy, exhausted, and for some reason, unbearably hurt. He steps past me, gently pushing the bathroom door open, and crosses the space with slow, deliberate movements until he reaches the wall-mounted hook and hangs up a black towel.

“You’re covered in blood,” he says, moving to turn on the water. “Are you okay?”

“I…I’ll be fine,” I mutter, but my body betrays me. My pulse spikes, and I realize my hands are trembling. “Just need a minute.”

He crosses the space between us in two long strides, sliding his hand to the nape of my neck and threading his fingers into my hair. “Fine? You’re bloody shaking. Listen, love, we’ll handle Eryx, don’t worry. Go on, have your shower—but don’t get used to being alone. You’re not going anywhere without protection from now on.”

I press my lips together, swallowing hard as my anxiety begins to ease, and start peeling my clothes off as he leaves. My hands continue to tremble as I fold them aside and step beneath the water.

The water carries the blood away in thin streams, but the memory of his fangs driving into my neck clings stubbornly. He and Elias may be identical twins, but that’s where their similarities end.

I grab a bar of soap from the shelf and work it over my skin, vigorously scrubbing away traces of the last hour. The repetition drags me into a haze, time losing shape as minutes slip away.

After a while, the soft creak of the door snags my attention, and I halt instantly, glancing back over my shoulder.

I’m immediately hit by the intoxicating scent of tobacco and leather. “Bastian?”

“The one and only,” he says, his tone amused as he reaches the threshold to the walk-in shower.

This isn’t the first time he’s seen me naked—or in the shower—but my hands move on their own, rising to cover my breasts.

“Don’t be shy now, spawn,” he teases. “I’m just here to make sure you’re alright.”

“Good to know my near-death experience made the rounds.”

He lets out a short laugh. “Pryce does love playing the devoted guard dog.”

The mention of Pryce makes my blood boil. I still don’t know why he showed up in the first place. I should be grateful—I know that—but after he basically dumped me with Koen to go find Sage, and apparently feels the need to loop in Bastian too, I’m not exactly feeling charitable.

At this rate, Elias will be knocking on the door next.

A mischievous smile pulls at Bastian’s mouth, his eyes dimming with amusement. “Elias?” he echoes. “Should I go get him, then?”

My stomach drops. I know I didn’t say that out loud.

I stare at him, pulse kicking up again. “I didn’t—” I cut myself off, narrowing my eyes. “How did you—”