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I hesitate for a moment, contemplating the extent of my leverage. “And Tammy,” I add.
Caspian’s dark chuckle echoes through the phone, causing conflicting emotions that I would rather smother to wash over me.
“Sure. But if you do not gather the remaining amulets, Lara, your dear friends will be the ones who pay the price.”
I abruptly disconnect the call and blow out a breath.
“That was...” Darian starts to speak, but his voice trails off as the door swings open. The guard enters the room carrying a bottle of water, a sandwich, and a bag of chips, tossing them lazily onto the table.
I shoot a glare at the guard, but he simply shrugs, before exiting the room without a word.
Darian takes a seat, immediately cracking open the water bottle and gulping down half of it before biting into the sandwich.
Darian swallows with a wince, “You seem different,” he says quietly, “You seem like you’re on the edge.” he adds hesitantly.
I meet his gaze, and all the walls I had erected around me crumble as I see the concern in his mismatched eyes. The hardness I had been projecting fades away.
I nod, acknowledging both.
“I feel like I’m going to snap,” I confess, my voice soft.
Darian tilts his head, chewing thoughtfully on another bite of the sandwich. I remain silent, hoping he won’t press for further explanation about the reasons behind my fragile state.
“Val?” he asks, attempting to shift the focus to another topic.
“He misses you.” My response is curt, and he lets out a deep sigh.
“I’m sorry, Lara. I truly didn’t mean to get-” he begins to apologize, but I interrupt him by raising my hand, signaling for him to stop.
I don’t want to hear his apologies or explanations.
I’m not interested in that.
He promised he wouldn’t be far from me and nearly drove me right into his brother’s hands when he couldn’t keep that promise.
But that’s not the reason I’m angry.
I’m furious with the police within this station. Their misconduct and abuse of power infuriate me.
I’m seething with anger toward those who harmed Darian and believe they’re immune to consequences.
I’m frustrated because it took this ordeal to finally secure Tammy’s release.
It shouldn’t have taken such extreme measures.
“It’s not your fault. It’s the fault of whoever called in the tip about us being there.” I say finally, and Darian nods thoughtfully, downing the remainder of his water before moving to the chips.
“Thank you,” Darian says softly after throwing his garbage into the trash can.
I’m quiet for a moment as I hold his gaze.
My heart wrenches in my chest knowing that I’m going to have to leave him here.
I glance to the door and back before speaking, “We need you to come home. I’m not sure what Caspian has planned to get you released but, come home right away okay?” My voice is only a whisper, barely audible, as I struggle to keep my emotions in check.
I take a step closer to Darian, the longing on his face mirroring the torturous ache in my body, but the moment is interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
We both freeze in place.
