Page 71 of Savage Claim

“Perhaps the amulet took an interest in you after saving the demon child.” She paced the small room, her movements becoming more agitated as her perfect, calm facade disintegrated. “Or it could have been when you killed the royal demon. That’s not an easy feat. Maybe the ancient power was impressed.”

“Fane, can you hear me?”

I’d tried contacting him a few times but only got radio silence. Had he talked to Ruin yet? Did he realize I didn’t go back to Silver Ridge?

Coltrane tapped her chin, lost in thought as her boots trailed the concrete floor. “The amulet could have been attracted to your sheer determination to survive. Killing Ziva would have proved you were worthy of its attention too.” Her hand shook as she smoothed it over her fitted, black shirt. “Maybe that’s the key. Of course, I’ll need to get it out of you first.”

A bitter laugh burst out, breaking her trance. “You can’t get it out of me. Plenty have tried and failed.”

She folded her arms and lifted her chin, reeking of superiority she didn’t warrant. “Maybe I know things about the Infernal Sol those others don’t.”

She couldn’t know more about the amulet than Ruin. “Good luck. And if you try cutting it out of me, I’ll die along with the Infernal Sol.”

“We’ll see.” She donned that frigid mask to hide the manic energy pulsing from her. “I need to do some thinking.”

“Sure thing. I probably won’t be here when you get back.”

Coltrane scoffed. “You’re not getting out of that cell. It’s reinforced with magic, and your hybrid boyfriend can’t get in here without setting off the alarms.” Her smile had icicles forming down my spine. “You will remain in my custody for the foreseeable future.”

Another shiver rippled over my back, and I tightened my arms around my knees, hugging them to my chest as I sat against the icy wall of the cell. The cold didn’t affect me like it used to before Fane bit me or the amulet burrowed inside, but the chilly temperature wasn’t what had me shaking.

My heart arched for Hawk even though he betrayed me. Captain Coltrane manipulated him and had probably been doing so for a long time. She wasn’t a loving but stern aunt. She was a selfish woman blinded by power and prestige. Hawk never would have done this if he’d known her real motives. She wanted the Infernal Sol so badly she didn’t care who she hurt in the process.

Still, his deceit sent sharp daggers through my heart. He’d used my feelings to lure me in. I cared so much about him, even after the shitty things he’d done and said to me, that it clouded my judgment.

Hawk wouldn’t have called me out of the blue, begging for my help. I never even questioned how he got my number.

“I leave you alone for five minutes, and you get locked in the raven’s basement.”

I whipped around as Fane’s phantom form appeared in the cell. The urge to rush to him burned in my veins, but I remained sitting on the floor. “Where have you been? Were you ignoring me?” My voice still came out raspy.

His expression softened, and a flare of guilt zipped through our bond as he squatted next to me. “I didn’t mean to ignore you. I was only trying to clear my head after what happened.” He studied the bruises on my neck, his jaw clenching. “As soon as I realized you weren’t at Wrath & Ruin or Silver Ridge, I reached out and found you here.”

“Can you get me out?” I rested my chin on my knees, sighing as my eyelids grew heavy. “The Malefic ash is getting to me, and I’m afraid if I fall asleep, I’ll wake up strapped to a torture table.” Memories of being tortured in Heldrok poked at my thoughts, and I shuddered.

“How did you end up in here?”

Before I could speak, footsteps sounded, and Hawk emerged in the room, carrying a pillow and blanket. His head was bowed and gaze cast on his black combat boots.

“Let me guess.” Fane’s voice deepened to barely more than a growl. “It has something to do with your raven boyfriend.”

I scowled. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

Hawk stopped at the cell and furrowed his brow. “What?”

“Nothing.” I peered up at him from my spot along the wall. “How did you get down here? I thought your aunt put a guard on your door.”

He shrugged, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve always been good at sneaking out.”

“I remember.”

The humor evaporated from Hawk’s face, and he awkwardly shifted on his feet. “It gets cold down here in the winter. I thought you might like these.”

“I’d like to get out of here. Can you do that?”

Hawk shook his head. “I don’t have the key.”

“He wouldn’t help you even if he did.” The words burst through Fane’s teeth in a snarl, and if he’d actually been in this basement, he would have lunged at my former best friend. “I’m guessing he’s the reason you’re in here. Did he lure you here? Did he plead for help, pulling on your little heartstrings?”

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