Page 55 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Heading back around the corner, I move towards the side exit. Using the service entrance, I make my way outside. There’s a fire-shoot just before the start of Silas’s outdoor area. I use it to climb up onto Kaladar’s outdoor garden.

I look down at the moving cars, feeling a sense of freedom I haven’t felt in a long time.

The people move about like ants, walking around with ease. Not worrying about where they go but having the freedom of choice to do so when they please.

My body itches to jump down and join them.

But not only was it a stupid fucking thought, it was an insane one as well. Even if the jump wouldn’t kill me, King’s special little tag would make sure I begged for it.

I shiver remembering the last time, the endless torment etched into my body like scorched flames.

Looking down once more, I promise myself I will join them.

Soon.

Focusing on my task at hand, I climb up the shoot, peeking over the edge to make sure no guards are visible before pulling myself up over the ledge.

Crouching low, I conceal myself behind one of the large, planted trees Kaladar has spaced out around the outdoor pool.

Kaladar had the whole fucking penthouse to himself. Anyone on King’s good side received only the best.

Looking around, I see everything is luxurious and over the top. Large glass windows surround the penthouse revealing a large open area inside. A giant white leather sofa encircles a small black cocktail table. The black bespoke fireplace has a huge ostentatious art piece above it making me wonder for Kaladar’s taste.

Deep red velvet upholstery with custom designed furniture finishes off the modern look with thick white posts reaching up to the barrel-vaulted ceiling.

I move closer keeping an eye out for any guards, breathing a sigh of relief when I spot none.

Moving towards the glass door, I look inside making sure it’s empty before checking the handle.

It’s locked.

But that’s not an issue. Everyone protects this place using spells, but no one thinks to invest in a fucking lock. Though I suppose, it would be the last thing they would need with the security and spells in place.

Lucky for me, I’m invisible to everyone here.

Taking out my tool kit, I get to work.

After a couple of minutes, I feel the key line up along the track giving way to the turn I need. I hear the click, unlocking the door, and just like that, I’m in.

Well, halfway there.

A familiar whiff of rosemary and basil invades my senses, telling me there’s a protective spell in place. One more potent and powerful than the one on my door, but with a hint of something else. Something dark.

An electric energy in the air makes every hair on my arm stand up just before a ripple of power flutters over me.

Damn it. This was going to be strong and one that fucking hurt.

Glancing around, I quickly find an empty area before bracing myself.

The pain lashes out like a whip, striking me down. I grit through the pain, holding in any sound that may slip my lips.

I bite down on my lip hard, watching as the bones in my hands bend and crack.

Splinters of sharp pain shoots through them. I can feel liquid run down my lip from biting too hard and breaking the skin.

Still keeping myself as quiet as possible, I drag myself behind one of the giant white posts, just as my stomach begins to twist and turn. The feeling of acid burning a hole through it takes over as the spell works its way through my body, trying to destroy me from the inside out.

After what feels like hours but is more than likely only a couple of minutes, my ability finally kicks in, slowing the spells process.

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