Page 48 of Savage Bond

The weight of those words hangs heavy in the air—a challenge thrown down at their feet.

A few hearts beat faster; I can see it in their wide eyes—the recognition of purpose returning like a long-lost companion. They know what I’m asking for isn’t just loyalty but something deeper—a connection forged through bloodshed and survival.

Nyra steps forward, her expression shifting from disbelief to fierce determination. “You’re serious about this?”

“More than anything,” I reply, holding her gaze until she nods slowly.

Renn still dangles in my grip but he meets my stare now—not with arrogance but calculation.

“Fine,” he mutters finally. “Let’s see if she's worth it.”

I drop him back into his seat and turn to face the rest of the crew once more. The choice has been made; now we must reclaim what is ours—together or apart.

CHAPTER 30

AVA

Darkness. Cold.

I blink awake to sterile light searing my retinas. The air feels wrong—dry and lifeless after the humid embrace of the jungle. My body screams in protest as I try to move, pain slicing through my midsection like a hot knife. I gasp, feeling the tightness of medical bandages wrapping around my ribs. My wrists are bound in high-grade shackles bolted to the wall.

No uniform. Just a plain IHC-issued detainee suit clinging to my skin, reminding me of who I’ve become—a prisoner, a traitor.

I force myself to breathe in slowly, every inhale a reminder of my vulnerability.

My first thought is of Kairon—his fierce gaze, the way he fought for me without hesitation.

The second is regret—should’ve stayed away from him, should’ve kept my distance.

The door hisses open, and my heart sinks.

A man enters—not a soldier but worse: an IHC interrogator. He wears a gray coat that blends into the sterile environment, his pale face devoid of any warmth or humanity. A tablet rests in his hand, ready for whatever cruel game he intends to play.

He doesn’t greet me.

Doesn’t even use my name.

“Explain your involvement with the Reaper,” he states flatly, eyes cold and calculating. “And what you know of the artifact.”

Silence fills the room like smoke, thick and suffocating.

I say nothing.

He circles me like a predator sizing up its prey.

“You protected him,” he continues, voice smooth yet laced with accusation. “Took a shot for him.”

His words twist inside me—a mixture of pride and anger at my own choices.

He leans closer, his breath warm against my cheek as he narrows his gaze. “You understand what that implies, don’t you?”

I clench my jaw tightly, resisting the urge to respond. The last thing I need is to show weakness now.

“You betrayed your own people, Marlowe.”

Each word lands like a punch to my gut. Betrayal? They don’t know the half of it—the bond forged in fire and chaos that I can’t explain even if I wanted to. My thoughts drift back to Kairon—the way he held me close when everything fell apart—and for a fleeting moment, I wonder if they’ll let him suffer for this too.

“I’m not answering your questions,” I finally say through gritted teeth.

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