Page 71 of Challenged
“Rion!” Anna shouts.
Griffyn’s pheromones flood the air until I don’t feel like I’m going to pass out from the pain. He rushes over to me and helps put pressure on the wound.
I can’t focus on anything else.
“They took him down. We didn’t see the third guard,” Griffyn explains.
Anna rushes over and cups my face. “Rion, I’m sorry. You’ll be okay, it just needs to heal.”
“We need to get out of here,” Blaze demands.
The fucking burning spreads.
“Why isn’t he healing?” Anna asks.
“They must have weapons that stop the healing to use against inmates,” Felix reasons.
“Fucking hell!” I shout as I force myself to stand up. “I’m fine, let’s get this done.”
“We don’t have time to worry about them knowing we were here. They’re going to assume anyway. Let’s just get Aksel and get out,” Blaze demands.
Each step feels exhausting and I’m losing more blood.
Something appears in front of my face. Based on the popcorn smell, it’s Felix.
“Hurry up and drink so we can move faster.” Felix shoves his wrist against my mouth.
I don’t hesitate, breaking the skin and gulping down his blood.
I can feel the wound stitching together slightly faster with the help of feeding.
“Thanks,” I wheeze.
“Don’t mention it.” Felix tugs me along to catch up with the others ahead of us.
Finally, we reach the end of the hallway and find ourselves standing before a heavy metal door. My heart races in anticipation as the others take out the three guards there. I watch their backs so the same thing doesn’t happen again.
Felix pulls out a key card. “Took this from the first guard.”
He swipes the key card through the reader and I can hear him holding his breath until the lock clicks open.
“Quickly,” Griffyn says, pushing the door open to reveal a row of cells. As we step inside, I immediately spot Aksel. His tall frame is slumped against the far wall, his tawny hair disheveled, and his face bruised and gaunt.
“Anna!” he exclaims weakly, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. He struggles to stand, but his excitement is evident as he reaches out towards her through the bars of his cell.
“You look terrible,” Anna says, pushing past Felix. She rushes to Aksel’s side, their hands intertwining through the cold metal bars that separate them. For a moment, they simply stare at each other.
“Thanks.” Aksel leans forward, pressing his lips against hers through the bars in a passionate, desperate kiss. I look away, giving them a moment of privacy amidst the chaos.
“We need to go,” Anna announces. Our time is running short. “Aksel and Rion need medical attention.”
Felix tries to scan the key card but it turns red and doesn’t work.
“I’ll get a card from the guards right outside the door.” Griffyn turns to leave but Blaze stops him.
“No time. Stand back,” Blaze warns Aksel, who moves away from the bars. Blaze places his palm against the cold metal, and a burst of orange flame races around the edges of the door, cutting through the hinges. The door clatters to the ground, freeing Aksel from his prison.
“Finally,” Aksel mutters. His eyes narrow in determination. “Let’s get out of here.”
