Page 64 of Challenged
“Murder?” I choke out, struggling to hold onto my composure. “You’ve got to be kidding me. This is insane.”
“Tell it to the judge,” the agent says dismissively, shoving me forward. “Now move.”
For a split second, I consider fighting back, using my abilities to break free and escape. But I know that it would only make things worse; the Council would see my resistance as an admission of guilt.
They brought me here with this vote to arrest me.
The cold metal of the handcuffs press against my wrists as I’m dragged away, my fury simmering just beneath the surface.
“Watch your step,” one of the agents sneers, shoving me forward. “Wouldn’t want you to trip and break that arrogant face of yours.”
“Real classy,” I retort through gritted teeth, swallowing down the urge to lash out in defiance. “Is this how you all treat suspects? Or is it just me you have a problem with?”
“Keep your mouth shut, Lenoir,” another agent snaps, tightening his grip on my arm. “You’re not in a position to make demands.”
“Demands?” I scoff, a bitter laugh bubbling up from my chest. “I’m merely pointing out the hypocrisy.”
“Enough talking,” the first agent growls, stepping closer until his face is mere inches from mine. “We don’t have time for your games, Aksel.”
“Games?” The word echoes in my mind as I feel my anger beginning to boil over. “You think being accused of murdering my own father is a game to me?”
“Quiet!” he barks, his patience wearing thin. I can feel the tension in the air, charged like a storm about to break.
“Any chance you could loosen these cuffs?” I ask, forcing a calmness into my voice that I don’t truly feel. “They’re cutting off my circulation.”
“Sorry,” one of them smirks, “we’re all out of sympathy today.”
“Shocking,” I mutter under my breath, but inwardly, I’m already planning my next move. Whoever set me up wants me to panic, to make mistakes. And I won’t give them the satisfaction.
“Enjoy your time in holding,” the first agent says as they shove me into a small, windowless room. “Maybe it’ll teach you some humility.”
“Thanks for the advice,” I reply sarcastically, already preparing myself for what’s to come. “I’ll be sure to take it to heart.”
As the door slams shut behind me, I’m left alone with my thoughts, my anger, and the knowledge that I need to find a way out of this mess.
And I will. No matter what it takes.
Twenty Six
Anna
“Something is wrong.” I wring my hands.
“What do you mean?” Felix asks.
“Aksel should be back by now,” I say.
Griffyn wraps an arm around me. “What does your bond feel like?”
“He’s frustrated, angry and pissed off,” I say.
“That could just be the meeting,” Rion reasons.
“I guess.” I sit back in my chair and cross my arms.
Knowing Aksel could be in trouble is killing me.
Hours pass and he never comes back. His emotions are all over the place.
