Going over the plan one more time, I sip the last of my coffee while looking out over the city from my suite. The sun is up sending waves of rays around the buildings and shops. It’s early enough that children are playing in the park across from the hotel, while others are doing their morning run around the small glistening lake beside it.
You don’t realise how much you take for granted until it’s taken away from you. Visiting the park and playing with your friends. Swimming in the lake while the sun blankets you in warmth. The atmosphere and hustle and bustle of the city as you make your way through the throng of people on their way to work.
All things you wouldn’t think could be taken away from you. The view from my suite makes me long for all three. So much so that once I’m free, I know it’ll be on the top of my list of things to do. Just far, far away from this city and any other King runs.
Today was the day a different captive would be set free, giving me hope for my own escape.
Jax wouldn’t tell me what his distraction involved, only that I would know when I needed to move and that I was sure to be impressed.
I shake my head to myself, a small smile on my lips as I imagine what Jax’s plan is to make sure all of King’s and Kaladar’s men are sufficiently occupied.
Knowing him, he’d probably try to blow up the place.
I chuckle to myself, knowing it probably crossed his mind but was too crazy of an idea to go ahead with.
A loud bang vibrates through the hotel as the fire alarm goes off. It’s high pitched shrill, blasts through my ears.
I stand there for a moment, gaping up at the ceiling where the alarm plays on repeat.
No. He couldn’t have…
Knocking my coffee back, I grab my jacket and head outside my suite. Locking the door behind me, I watch as people scurry out of their rooms, some half-dressed and dishevelled, as they make their way to the nearest exit.
Lights flicker above, encasing us in darkness. A moment passes before the emergency generator kicks in. I move through the hall quickly, trying to avoid the mass of supes milling about, waiting for the hotel to get whatever is happening under control.
Reaching the lobby, I duck my head but watch from the corner of my eye for any bored supes looking for a target.
There are packs of them. From shifters to vamps and all in between. Each sticking to their own little groups while sneering over at the other.
“Hey you!” someone calls out from behind, but I keep moving, knowing all too well what happens when I indulge any of the supes here.
The hotel shakes as people run towards the exits screaming. I watch them longingly, knowing even if this place was to burn, I still wouldn’t be able to leave.
Soon.
“Move it!” A guard snarls, pushing me onto the wall as he heads toward the pandemonium.
“Come over here and keep us company.” A vamp tries to reach out to grab me, but I twist out of his way, avoiding his touch.
“Fucking tease,” he mumbles as I move further away.
Playing deaf, I keep going, nearing the stairwell when a group of succubi push into me on their way by, giggling when one shoves me hard enough into the door.
Releasing a harsh breath, I start up the stairs, taking them by two as I head up to the fifth floor. Opening the doors, I make my way to the lounge area, only to come to a halt with what I see.
“What the—”
King’s and Kaladar’s guards line the halls, all eyes on the two shifters being held down or trapped.
“I didn’t do it!” Ivar, the bear shifter, growls out. Two guards are holding him down as he struggles to break free. Across the way, Kendrick the wolf shifter, known to be as vicious as they come, is snarling at the warlock guard who has him encased in some sort of energy cell.
“It wasn’t fucking me.” Kendrick bangs on the cell wall, his wolf itching to break free as his eyes glow a deep gold.
“Do you know who I am?” he roars out.
“I will have your heads for this…”
Too lost in the scene before me, I don’t notice the guard sneak up beside me. Flinching back, the guard smirks, finding amusement in catching me off guard.
Dick.
“This floor is off limits. Leave or you can join them.”
I give him a nod, backing up and heading for the stairway.
The guys had planned to meet up on the fifth floor, but they must have moved it someplace else.
Where could they be?
I move to the small lounge near the third floor, stopping to see just as much chaos as everywhere else.
There are fights breaking out between the supes and multiple guards trying to break it up. Others stand around laughing and taking bets on who will win.
What the hell was going on? Surely this couldn’t be Jax’s work…
Pulling out my phone, I see ten missed calls and a whole slew of unread messages. Wincing, I send them a quick text. I’m about to turn when a loud screech sounds out.
“There’s a fucking fae hound on the loose!” a shifter screams running past me with wide eyes, his face pale.
Everyone pauses, blanching before packing their shit and quickly moving on. Even the guards and fighters leave, knowing exactly which creature the shifter speaks of.
There was only one fae hound that lived in this hotel. Adraxtos.
The demon lord, Dravon, kept him as his pet. Though he was far from anything domestic. The monstrous creature was dangerous even to his owner, having loyalty to none. Dravon kept him locked up and sealed off on his floor. King allowed the dark creature to reside here, not caring that he was a danger to us all.
How the hell did he get out? There were spells and guards that usually caged him in, and away from the rest of the hotel.
Adraxtos was not any normal hound. He was the stuff of nightmares and things that go bump in the night.
He was not to be messed with. Not only because Draven would rip your head off and drag you to hell where you would suffer indefinitely but the creature was said to be so vicious, he himself would rip you and your soul apart within seconds.
I didn’t know if my soul would regenerate if it was ripped from me nor did I want to find out.
Luckily King didn’t see any merit in the idea and Dravon cared too much for his monstrous creature that he kept him to himself.
With horns as ears and fangs as sharp as blades, he strolls into the lounge, pausing when its dark eyes land on me. Shadows and darkness encase him, as he moves closer.
Shit. Why didn’t I get the hell out of there sooner?
“Nice boy…” I take a slight step back when the creature lets out a warning growl, making me halt my escape.
I was going to end up as its damn chew toy if I didn’t get out of here soon. Glancing at the exit, I watch as it strolls forward, not stopping until it stands in front of me. It’s dark onyx body towers over me.
Tilting his head, I see intelligence in his otherworldly black eyes. The darkness swirls as the room temperature drops.
“There she is.” Coming around the corner, Luka spots me right away, the relief in his voice evident.
“I told you we’d find her and if not us, Drax would,” Jax says, giving me a smile while thumping Luka on the shoulder.
Drax?
Jax steps up beside the terrifying creature, patting him like an old friend. The vicious monster curls into his touch turning into a cuddly bear.
What the hell was going on?
“As you can see, everything is ready to go. The guards should have their hands full for a while.” He takes a bow.
My eyes widen. Wait? That was him.
“This was all you? How the fuck did you release that… that monster?”
“Drax?” Jax frowns rubbing the dark creature. “She didn’t mean that buddy, she just has some trust issues. We’re working on it.”
I narrow my eyes on the fucker. He pats him once more before turning to look at me, a mischievous smirk on his face.
“How did you get that— I mean… him out?”
“I walked him out.” Jax gives me an innocent look.
With wide eyes, I stare at the crazy fucker in front of me. “He’s a fae hound. As in, not of this world… How are you still alive? That… creature has been known to sever limbs for even looking at it wrong. And you just… walked in and let it out?”
Jax shrugs, his smile still firmly in place. “He needed to be brought for a walk. I thought I was doing that demon a favour.”
He couldn’t be serious?
“Dravon will kill you when he finds out.”
“He’ll try.” My eyes widen on the cocky son of a bitch. This is a demon lord we were talking about.
“He’s not someone you want to mess with.”
Jax’s smirk grows, a look of violence in his eyes. “It’s not something you need to worry about.”
I shake my head again, glancing at the creature as it tries to lean its heavy head on Jax’s shoulder.
Only Jax would come across a vicious creature and instead of running from it, set it free and befriend it. A small smile plays at the corner of my lips.
Damn, even I was impressed, their reach far further than anything I could have achieved. The whole hotel was in havoc. Guards were being pulled from everywhere to help out.
“Ask and you shall receive.” Jax’s smug smirk is a mile wide, the glint in his eyes full of mischief.
“I’m also open for other requests.” His smile turns wicked.
Shaking my head, I ignore the innuendo, wondering how the hell he did it.
“How did you do it? And how the fuck did you get access to the shifters’ suites?” Even I couldn’t do that.
Whereas Kaladar was overconfident, thinking no one would dare try steal from him, the shifters guards were always focused on their next threat, making sure they covered every angle. Even they didn’t wholly trust King, telling me they were a lot fucking smarter in the grander scheme of things. I steered clear of them when I could.
Jax winks, looking all too smug with himself.
“Talent, sweetheart. Pure fucking talent.”
Luka elbows him in the stomach, giving him a look. Jax rolls his eyes, a playful glint in them.
“This fucker might have also helped.”
“There was no might about it.” Luka narrows his eyes on his brother, ready to start up their usual bickering.
“Nice work,” I cut in, knowing this wasn’t the time for it.
Jax winks as both he and Luka now wear smug smiles.
“Where’s everyone else?” I look around, just finding the two of them.
“We’re here.” Kai, Axel and Rion come around the corner. Kai’s angry face relaxes when he sees us, whereas Axel looks even more pissed off. Rion sends me one of his signature smirks, as if knowing I would be here all along.
“Everything ready?” Kai asks me, as if I have a clue about what I’m doing. But like the stubborn hot-headed fool I am, I just nod my head and tell him, of course.
“Good. Don’t worry about the guards, we’ll keep them busy.”
“I can see that.”
“Call us if you run into trouble?” Luka asks, his playful mood turning serious.
“I mean it, Kiarra, any problem and you call us. Got it?” Kai says, his tone full of demands.
“I’ve got this. I’ll meet you on the third floor with Luna like we planned.”
Kai narrows his eyes as I evade answering him. The rest of the guys hesitate, sharing a frown before looking at me.
What now?
“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Jax asks, making me join in on their frown club. Did they doubt I could do this?
“You’re having second thoughts?” Now? Seriously?
“No. Just… Let one of us go with you?” Jax pleads, thinking I’d give in. But even if I wanted to take one of them with me, I couldn’t.
The protection spells that Kaladar had wouldn’t let them pass, not without killing them. And then if they saw what I had to do to get through them, there would be a shitload of questions about my ability.
It would be a waste of time. I was better off on my own.
I shake my head, taking a step back. “I’ve got this.”
I needed to get onto Kaladar’s floor while everything was still full of chaos. The sooner we did this, the sooner we could get Luna out.
“Kiarra—” Luka starts, but I cut him off, feeling the time ticking like a clock hanging over me.
“Trust me, I can get her out.” I take another step back, ready to turn, when Rion reaches out and grabs my hand.
“We do,” he says, giving me a fierce look. “We just also need you to be safe.” The others nod at Rion’s words.
I swallow the lump twice before replying.
“I’ll be fine.”
Rion nods, reluctantly releasing me as he takes a step back.
“Be careful.”
Before I leave, Axel comes up to me, irritation seeping from every pore in his body. “Try not to get yourself killed,” he grits out before heading in the opposite direction.
Luka shakes his head, watching the whole thing before sending me a small smile.
He mouths, “Be safe,” before following Axel.
‘Come on, buddy. Let’s go have some fun.’ The mischievous smile on Jax’s face promises nothing but trouble as Drax follows him like a good puppy.
Rion, and Kai watch as I turn around. I feel their stares follow me as I leave.
Shaking off my confused thoughts and feelings, I move quickly, turning my focus to Luna.
Like last time, I avoid running into any of the guards, not wanting them to spot me. I make it to the stairway and use the service hall.
Once inside, I make sure no one is around before making my way toward the west corridor and Kaladar’s quarters.
There was no point trying to go the back way like last time, not if Jax and Luka’s little distraction worked and pulled most of the guards away from their posts.
Listening out for anyone, I exit the stairs, keeping watch for any guards still around. Once I’m close to the entrance of his floor, I hide behind one of the large white posts in the hall and pull out a couple of vials I got from Jazmyn. A thank you gift for the blood I got her. Jazmyn’s knowing smirk flits across my thoughts as she hands me the vials.
Just in case you run into trouble.
I shake my head, a smile on my face. Jazmyn had become an ally of sorts these last few months. With her powers, I’m glad she didn’t see me as an enemy.
Concentrating on the task at hand, I sneak out, inching closer to the target while keeping an eye out for anyone coming.
Glancing quickly around the corner, I spot three guards keeping watch.
Great. Kaladar must have upped his security.
Tucking one of the vials back into my pocket, I glance down at the second one, hoping Jazmyn is right, and this shit is strong enough to knock all three out for a while.
Here goes nothing.
Just as they look in the opposite direction, I roll the vial on the carpet to them and quickly duck behind the corner.
I count in my head to three, only getting to two before…
“What the hell—”
Listening out, three large thumps sound around me, telling me the coast is clear.
That was quick.
Making a note to never piss Jazmyn off, I peak around the white post, finding the three guards spread out cold on the floor.
I creep over, tipping the closest guard with my boot.
No movement.
Leaning down, I check his pulse, making sure they’re not dead before hauling their heavy asses to the side.
Out of breath, I take a minute to shake out the cramps from my arms before moving to the next one.
Once they’re out of view, I pocket the empty vial, not wanting anything to lead back to Jazmyn and get to work picking the lock.
I doubt Kaladar was worried about a better lock. If, by some chance, a thief got past the guards, the protective spell would be sure to kill them.
Problem is, he never factored me into his little security measures.
Hearing the little click, I head inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. I brace myself for the imminent pain, ready for it this time, but still aware it will be no less painful.
It never is.
The effect of the spell hits on impact. It shoots across my body, sending razor-sharp waves throughout me, forcing me to the ground.
Fuck, that hurts!
Kaladar must have modified the spell.
It feels more violent this time, making my body convulse and bend into awkward angles. The sickening crunch and burn of my bones makes my stomach twist and turn. I take deep breaths, forcing the nausea to pass, but it does nothing to ease the pain.
This too will pass.
As it always does.
Concentrating on my deep breaths once more, I focus on the thought of Luna being free, until finally, my ability kicks in.
Slower than usual, I feel the edge of pain ebb away, giving way to sweet relief.
I wipe away any blood from my nose and mouth and wait a moment for the dizziness to pass before attempting to sit up.
Kaladar put an extra kick in this spell. It felt double the punch of the last one, my body taking longer to recover and heal.
I’d have to be careful around him. I have a feeling he is testing me somehow.
Knowing I can’t wait around any longer, I push through the remainder of dizziness and force my body to move. Dragging myself up, I head down the hall, passing the lounge to the hall where the concealment spell is. Stopping in front of the plain white wall, I send up a silent prayer, hoping this works.
“Revertum. ”
Time pauses, crawling along until finally, the wall shimmers, revealing the hidden door.
Glancing around quickly, I take a deep breath and push it open.
Luna is curled up on a small mattress. Her frail body reminds me of Alana and how much weight she had lost the last time I saw her.
“Is it time?” Her frail voice is raspy and broken.
“Luna?”
Her eyes go wide as she scrambles back away from me.
I reach a hand out, pleading with her. “I’m not here to hurt you. I promise. I’m here to get you out.”
She shakes her head, her eyes unfocused with a panicked gleam. “You’re lying. You always lie. This is another one of your tricks. I’m not going to fall for it this time.”
How the hell am I going to get her to trust me, a complete stranger? Gods only know what Kaladar has been showing and telling her.
“Please, just leave me be,” she begs, her voice breaking.
My heart breaks along with it, only imagining what she must have gone through, and knowing all too well of the depravity of monsters that come to play in the night.
But I couldn’t take my time trying to gain her trust. We needed to leave. Now.
“Luna? The guys sent me to help. Luka and Jax? They’re waiting for you.”
She frowns, questioning the truth of my words.
I could see the doubt in her eyes, but it’s the slight glimmer of hope that makes me think I have a chance to get her to trust me. If only for this moment.
“It’s true? They’re here? They came for me?”
“Yes, I promise, but if we don’t leave now, we won’t ever get out of here.” Luna still hesitates, glancing from her cot to the door.
“I know you don’t trust me, and I realise how hard it is to give that to someone after what you’ve been through… Believe me,” I implore with as much emotion as I can.
“But those guys love you and they need you right now, so please… Please, trust me long enough to get you back to them.”
“You care for them?”
I hesitate at her question, knowing it holds much more meaning to me than she’s asking.
“Yes, and I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I didn’t get you safely back to them.”
Luna stares at me, her gaze reminding me of Luka when he sees past the bullshit mask I wear.
After a moment, I’m about to say fuck it and drag her out of here when she nods her head, slowly agreeing.
“Okay… I… I’ll go with you.”
Tension I didn’t realise I was holding releases from my shoulders. Cautiously, I ease my body forward and reach a hand out to help her up.
Still hesitant, but with a hopeful glint in her eyes, she reaches out and takes hold of my hand.
Pulling her up, I hold most of her slight weight until she can get her balance. Making our way to the door, I glance out, making sure there’s no one around before moving forward.
Once we shut the door, it shimmers and disappears behind us, covering our tracks.
“The guards?” Luna’s quiet voice draws me to her face. I give her a reassuring smile.
“The guys have it covered.” She mirrors my smile, her own a little awkward, most likely from not being used in a while.
“If this is really happening and not another illusion or game, thank you. For helping them and coming for me. I… I didn’t… I wasn’t going to last… much longer.”
I give her hand a squeeze, not able to reply with words. Knowing only too well how hard it is when the darkness comes, and you can’t find a way out.
We come around the corner, past the lounge, and head towards the main entrance. The scent of basil, rosemary, and ash fizzles around us.
“What about the spells? Kaladar has powerful protective spells. I saw what he can do…” She shivers, a look of horror on her face.
“Don’t worry, they’re… deactivated.”
“How?” Luna frowns, looking over my face.
I shake my head, not wanting to get into it now… or ever. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just get out of here.” We could be on borrowed time, Jax’s distraction only working so long. Kaladar’s men could be back any minute.
As if I’d summoned trouble alone through my internal worrying, a loud roar makes us both jump.
Freezing, we listen out for noise, cursing myself for jinxing our good luck so far.
“Who dares enter my home?”
