Page 297 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Just before the door shuts, Jazmyn walks in. Draven’s demeanor changes immediately as he watches Jazmyn’s every move. “Jazmyn? Is everything okay?”

She completely ignores him and heads straight over to me. “I heard you’re going soon?”

“Yes. I think we’ve talked about it enough.” I give Kai a look agreeing with him.

Jazmyn swallows hard, a frown marring her face. “How do we know he’s definitely in the Underworld? You could be heading straight into a trap.”

“We more than likely are. But there’s no other choice. This ends with King and if we’ve to go to the Underworld to do it, then so be it.”

Jazmyn clenches her jaw, a look of determination settling over her. “Fine. Then I’m coming with you.”

Draven steps up beside her. “You most definitely are not.”

She whips her head around to him, the look she gives him making me wince. Grown men have run from that look whereas Draven simply raises a brow. “You do not get a say in what I do.”

“You’re needed here.”

“He’s right,” I tell her as Draven gives me a look of surprise, probably thinking I’m agreeing with him when really this is about Jazmyn. “This once,” I add before focusing on her.

I take her hands in mine. “We need you here to help protect Manhattan while we’re gone.”

“Kiarr—”

“They’ll listen to you, and if they don’t, I’m sure you’ll find a way to make them.” I give her a smile.

“Besides, Malik is still adjusting. He needs you here.” Jazmyn narrows her eyes on me, giving me a look telling me that was a low blow. But she knows it’s true. The witches and demons were working with him to help remove the control King took from him. Most times, the only one who can help him snap out of it is Jazmyn.

“Fine. But you better not get hurt.” Jazmyn glares at Kai. “If anything happens to her, I’ll personally hunt you down.”

I bite my lip to stop the chuckle from escaping as Kai smiles at her. “I’ll take good care of her.”

“There’s been another update.” Jazmyn clears her throat, avoiding looking at Draven. “More demons from the Underworld are still escaping somehow, even with the portals all now shut down.”

“They shut the portals down?” I look at Kai and catch him frowning. Draven looks weary as he leans against the table.

“Why?”

“To try stop more of them escaping.”

“All portals?” I ask him.

Axel walks into the room and heads toward us as Draven continues. “No, just those to the Underworld.”

“How fucking convenient,” Axel mumbles as he stands beside us.

“Then how are we going to get there?” I ask.

Draven looks at us. “It looks like you’ll have to go the old-fashioned way. Enter the first realm through one of the old entrances. The nearest one is here in the US.”

Kai takes my hand. “We’ll figure it out.”

Draven nods, a faraway look on his face. “I have someone that may be able to help guide you through the realms. We’ll keep this city protected for as long as we can.”

“Thank you.” Kai nods to Draven.

Jazmyn turns to me. “Have you got a minute?”

“Now?” She nods, giving me a soft smile, before narrowing her eyes on Draven and making her way outside.

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