Page 4 of Detonation
When did that boy who unguarded himself for my comfort become a man? How did it come to this? How will I ever get him back?
I need all of my men. And Ash? He challenges me. Burns a fire so bright, just the mere thought of him ignites me. I can’t live without him.
And he’s living imprisoned inside the man that violated me. Could he see?
What if he could see?
The thought pulls me up short. It feels like my mate’s agony is palpable against the miles that stretch between us.
I uncurl myself from my position and, with strength I force myself to possess, I roll onto my back, staring at the barren sky that Anshar drained the life from. He can’t take anything else. I won’t let him.
I won’t give up on you, Ash. I’ll keep my word.
Even if it means facing that monster.
My chest loosens a touch as I allow myself a few moments to just breathe, deep enough to fill my lungs to bursting, as I center my mind.
He locked Ash away. And yes, he raped me.
He’s taken enough. Now, it’s my turn.
I vow to bring back the purity of this world’s air.
I vow to erase all traces of Anshar from this realm.
I fucking vow to get my man back.
* * *
I trudge through the seemingly endless distance between myself and the dark castle, the lightning in the sky crackling violently.
Since I collected myself to carry on with renewed determination, the lightning has only become more frequent and feral. Three trees were struck and set on fire.
I continue my trek, laboring to keep my movements going, when a large rock formation appears seemingly out of nowhere to my right, pulling me to a halt at its sudden emergence. I stand and blink stupidly at it, questioning my sanity. When it stays there, I rub my eyes with the back of my dirt-crusted hands, willing my mind to tell me it’s playing tricks.
Nope. Still there.
And for my next trick, I will make tequila appear out of thin air.
The sky lights up and I stare greedily at the rock, waiting for a bottle to appear, but when nothing comes, I sigh.
Worth a shot.
A bright flash flares and every nerve ending in my body alights like it’s on fire, like I’m boiling from within. My body spasms violently, taking every wayward thought with it, as my world darkens.
When I come to, I'm lying on one of the smooth, flat rocks in the formation that appeared out of thin air. I push myself to sit up but the lingering burning sensation draws a groan from me as I drop back down.
"Are you a fucking moron? Why the hell would you be wandering in the dark fae territory without a scrap of protection?"
Whoever this is would get along with Serenity splendidly.
A woman's face appears in my line of sight, shoulder-length, brown locks framing her sharp jawline. Light, untrusting eyes, with a hint of concern, stare down at me. Her brow furrows as she examines me, her lips pursed.
I wiggle my clenched jaw from side to side, trying to loosen it enough to get a word out but apparently, I’m not quick enough for her liking. She snaps her fingers in front of my face, causing me to flinch. I try to strain away from the proximity of her hand but my body refuses to cooperate.
The corners of her lips turn down. "So, youcanhear me but you’d rather ignore me. Wonderful. This is what I get for sticking my neck out to save you." She shakes her head. "I should’ve left you to your own demise but you look like someone I once knew."
She backs away from me, her feet shuffling away.
