Page 58 of Knot Ruined

“Alright,” I say, turning toward the group, voice low and firm. “We’re not sitting around waiting to see what happens next. Everyone start looking—anything sharp, a nail, a piece of metal, anything that could help us pick the lock.”

Violet nods immediately, already dropping to her knees as she sifts carefully through the scattered debris on the floor. The others hesitate for a brief second before slowly following her lead, their movements sluggish from exhaustion but fueled by the faintest flicker of hope.

I scan the room, forcing myself to focus despite the dull ache in my head and the underlying terror clawing at my chest. We have to move fast. We have to be ready.

Then, the sound of sharp, deliberate footsteps echo from beyond the door, heels clicking ominously against the hard floor.

I freeze.

A shiver lances down my spine, my blood running cold as my pulse kicks into a panicked rhythm. My mind clears in an instant, the adrenaline slicing through the lingering grogginess of the drug. Without hesitation, I flick my hand toward the others, silently gesturing for them to move back against the wall.

Violet grabs Elias’ wrist, tugging him with her as they huddle in the corner. Paige presses against Ana and Sophia, eyes wide with fear, their thin frames trembling. The whole room is holding its breath.

I remain standing in the center, feet planted firmly, fists curled at my sides. My heart pounds like a war drum against my ribs, but I don’t move. I refuse to cower.

The footsteps stop just outside.

A long, agonizing pause.

Then, the door swings open dramatically.

My breath catches, my spine stiffening as my mind races through possibilities—who it could be, what fresh hell they’re about to unleash.

Then I see her.

And rage explodes in my chest like a supernova.

Of all people, Marline saunters in, looking every bit as polished and smug as the last time I saw her. She’s a stark contrast to the filth-stained room around her—her black pencil skirt perfectly tailored, white silk blouse immaculately pressed, the pearls around her throat gleaming under the dim light like a noose she doesn’t know she’s already wearing. Her blond hair is twisted into a severe updo, and every strand is secured with precision as if she hasn’t spent the last many hours orchestrating kidnappings.

Her icy gaze meets mine with barely concealed contempt, lips twisting into a cruel smile as she sweeps her gaze over me.

“Oh, Fallon Creed,” she purrs, mockery dripping from every syllable. “How the mighty have fallen.”

Something deep inside me snaps.

The shock of seeing her fades fast, burned away by the white-hot fury coursing through my veins. My lips curl into a sharp smirk as I fold my arms, tilting my head with mock amusement. “Marline.” I drawl her name out slowly, savoring the way her face twitches at my tone. “Still desperate, I see. Kidnapping your former boss because you couldn’t handle rejection? That’s low. Even for you.”

Her lips twist into a bitter smirk, though the jealousy burning in her eyes betrays her. She takes a slow, measured step toward me, her heels clicking against the grimy floor as if she thinks she’s the one in control. “You think you’re special just because they married you? It should have been me.”

I snort, unable to hold back the pure derision clawing up my throat. “Oh, honey, please. You couldn’t handle one of them, let alone all four. They aren’t exactly fans of shrill, insecure little girls who play dress-up and pretend to be something they’re not.”

Her face contorts with barely contained rage, jealousy flaring hot in her narrowed gaze. “They would have chosen me if you hadn’t interfered, you worthless omega.”

I take a step closer, watching her stiffen. “You never had a chance, Marline.” My voice is a deadly purr, sickly sweet and dripping with venom. “My pack doesn’t settle for weak little betas drowning in their own desperation. They don’t sniff around for scraps—they claim what’s theirs. And honestly?” I give her a slow, pitiful shake of my head. “It’s embarrassing how badly you wanted something that was never yours to begin with.”

Her face goes red, hatred practically rolling off her in waves. She hisses through clenched teeth, her hands balling into fists at her sides. “You smug little bitch! Do you really think they give a damn about you? They bought you. That’s all you are—a free hole they can knot into when it’s convenient.”

How did she know about that? Fuck do we have a spy?

Something dark twists in my chest, but I shove it down, burying the ugly feeling beneath the absolute certainty that she’s just trying to get under my skin. Instead of reacting, I give her a chilling, slow smile, letting the weight of my next words sink in deep.

“Oh, Marline,” I whisper, stepping even closer, watching with satisfaction as she unconsciously leans back, her eyes flickering with unease. “You have no idea how badly you’ve fucked up. My pack will tear this city apart looking for me. You can run, you can hide, but there’s nowhere in this world you’ll be safe from them.”

She scoffs, though I can see the flicker of doubt behind her arrogant mask. “They’ll have to find you first.”

I lean in just enough for my breath to ghost over her cheek, my voice dropping to something dark and foreboding. “Do you remember Voss?” Her body tenses, and I know I’ve struck a nerve. “Sweet, unhinged, psychotic Voss—the one even the worst criminals whisper about in fear? Do you really think you’re safe from him?”

She swallows, hard. But I’m not done.

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