Page 77 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

Freezing, we listen out for noise, cursing myself for jinxing our good luck so far.

“Who dares enter my home?”

CHAPTER 17

Our eyes widen hearing Kaladar’s enraged growl. I grab her, pulling her down the hall and into the room near the door, just as Kaladar moves into the lounge.

He must have come in from the outside or used a portal.

Glancing at Luna, I watch as any hint of hope begins to fade, giving way to a resigned fate. She hunches over, trying to make herself smaller. Any hint of determination and desire for freedom, gone.

Glancing longingly over at the exit, I know we can’t just make a run for it. Kaladar would take chase or strike us down.

We need a distraction.

Hearing Kaladar get closer, I make a quick rash decision, knowing I would pay for it, but right now, none of that mattered.

Luna couldn’t stay here. I can see the truth of her words in her eyes. She’s nearly beyond the place of being broken. Something she may never come back from if she gets caught.

I wasn’t letting that sick fuck anywhere near her.

No. She will be free. No matter what happens, I would make sure of it.

“I know you’re here. Show yourself.” Wincing at Kaladar’s roar, Luna trembles.

My mind made up. I quickly dial Kai’s number, speaking low and soft while listening out for Kaladar as he rants on.

Kai picks up immediately.

“Is everything—”

“Change of plan. I have Luna, but she’s going to meet you. Head to the west side of the hotel, you’ll find her there. Go now.”

“Wait—”

“No time. She’s on her way to you. Be ready to get out of here with her.”

“What abou—”

Not waiting for him to reply, I hang up and turn to Luna. They all need to get out of the hotel before Kaladar’s temper rains down on us. The building was, most definitely, going into lockdown after the guys’ little stunt. They couldn’t stick around for that, especially with Luna’s life on the line.

And that’s even before King finds out. An icy shiver crawls down my back at the thought of what he will do.

For now, I push those thoughts aside, focusing on the present. I need Luna out of Kaladar’s view and safely back with the guys.

“When I’ve got him distracted, head to the west side of the hotel, take the service stairs until you get to the third floor and turn right. The guys will be there waiting for you.”

She glances over at the main door, her eyes widening when she sees it open.

I hand her the last vial Jazmyn gave me. “If you run into trouble, throw this on the ground and run. It’ll buy you some time to get away. Don’t stop until you see the guys.”

Luna glances from the door to where Kaladar is. “Come with me,” she pleads.

I shake my head, knowing that’s not an option, not now. “I can’t.”

Hesitatingly, Luna takes the vials. “I can’t leave you here with him.”

“I’ll be fine. I can handle him.” I give her a reassuring smile.

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