Page 49 of Flame and Fury

“It’s just, like, I see him on magazine covers. Is he that handsome in real life? Probably, right?” the nurse laughs at herself. “I mean, you’re basically perfect.”

I don’t bother responding. She doesn’t require a second person for this conversation anyway. She’s talking enough for both of us. I’m still feeling sluggish. My chatty nurse told me it was because the bullet I was shot with was coated in Hydra blood. It’s still in my system and until it works its way out, I’ll continue to heal slower.

“Then there’re parties and so many glamorous people. I’m not jealous, but I would love to go. Do you ever bring dates? Although, will you still be invited since you’re technically out of the Olympus Games? Probably, right? You’re almost like royalty.”She giggles. I don't know how she has any breath left.

I blink over at the woman. I was just shot and kicked out of the Olympus Games and she’s asking me for a date. We’re stopped in front of a nondescript door and apparently not moving until I answer her. I stare at her until she squirms uncomfortably under my gaze. Then I finally tell her, “No. I don’t bring dates.”

She swallows audibly and then hurriedly opens the door. “You can wait here. Good luck.” She tosses out before she scurries from the room. The lock engages as soon as the door shuts. Just fucking great.

The room is small, no bigger than a ten-by-ten box. There are two fussy armchairs covered in a gold and green brocade fabric. The only other furniture is a small table between the two seats. There are no windows, and the floral-patterned wallpaper makes the room even more oppressive.

I need to figure out how to get out of here. I have no memory of what happened after Wren and I passed out during the last challenge. They could have taken her anywhere. I don’t even know where I am or why they have me stuffed in this room.According to the nurse, I’m officially out of the games. Zeus is going to be pissed. That almost brings a smile to my face. The only thing that stops me is uncertainty about what is next. There are rumors about what happens to champions when they’re out of the games. We saw Lark with Nathaniel at a party, but I don’t know how she got there. My head aches, likely from my body trying to expel the rest of the Hydra blood. I don’t have the energy to figure it out right now.

Is Wren safe? Fuck, that’s a stupid question. Of course, she isn’t. She was shot and impaled on rebar. That’s just what happened earlier today. She’s never safe because of what she is.

My thoughts continue to snowball when the door opens, and someone is pushed into the room.My first instinct is to slam them into the wall until I find out what they want. Then I see the chestnut hair and tan skin and I freeze.

“Wren?”

Wren snaps her head up and then groans. There’s a bandage on the top right of her chest where she was shot and another that’s visible beneath her shirt where she fell on the rebar. I rush over to her, but the room spins. I’m not sure if she catches me or if I have her in my arms first.

“Atlas, you should sit down.”

I smooth the strands of hair that have fallen out of her braids back from her forehead, searching for any other injuries. “Where else are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. Really. Just a few holes that will heal soon enough.” She squeezes my biceps and gives me a similar inspection. “Are you okay?”

I drop my forehead to hers and then pull her into a hug. Wren stiffens, but after a moment, she melts against me, her arms wrapping around my waist. My shoulder twinges with pain as I pull her close, but I don’t give a shit.

“I’m better now,” I whisper into her hair.

When I finally release her, she has a dazed look on her face. “That was a good hug.”

I laugh a little, amazed that just seeing her makes me feel so much better.

“Don’t spread that around. I have a reputation to maintain.”

Wren shakes her head and looks around the room. “Do you know where we’re at?”

“No idea.”

Before I get the chance to throw out a few theories, the lock on the door beeps. It opens to reveal a cleric and three guards at his back. Wren steps up to my side and I know she’s ready to fight our way free if need be. One of the guards lifts an electric baton high enough for us to see. He grins as he presses a button and a spark of electricity surges between the prongs.

Fucking great.

“You. Come with us.” The cleric points at me.

“Where are you taking him?” Wren steps forward, but I put a hand out.

“None of your business. Go sit down and wait your turn,” the guard with the prod snarls.

Wren’s shoulders tense. Her nostrils flare as she inhales deeply. I ignore the cleric and the guards and turn to face Wren. Cupping her cheeks, I brush a soft kiss over her lips. She stares up at me with her stunning dark blue eyes.

“I’ll find you.” I don’t know where I’m headed, but I won’t lose Wren.

“Maybe I’ll find you first,” Wren says softly so only I can hear.

“We can find each other.” I grin down at her and her mouth parts in surprise.

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