Page 51

"… bond-weaver …"

"She returns …"

"… not yet …"

Pain engulfed me and I let out a piercing scream as darkness overtook me — leaving a single thought in its wake.

The Guardian …

Chapter 16

Kaiya

"Kaiya! Wake up!"

My vision swam as I tried to find the speaker.

A warm hand cupped my cheek, calluses rasping against my skin, and Liam came into focus, looking down at me with concerned green eyes.

"Are you okay?"

I stared up at him, confused.How — why —

"How long have I been out?" I croaked, trying to ignore the heat of his body against mine. It was an embarrassing reminder of that damn dream …

Liam sighed, then lifted my head with one hand and pressed a tin of water to my lips with the other. "Maybe an hour."

I wanted to shove him away, but my head was throbbing, and my lips felt dry enough to crack, so I greedily gulped down the water.

I'd tell him off afterwards …

His brows knit. "We've reached the port, Kaiya. The escape has begun."

I choked on the cool liquid and pushed away his hands so I could sit up.

People were quietly moving past the open cell, occasionally stopping to look in — curious looks twisting their faces.

A tall man with gray hair and stooped shoulders went further, though, ducking inside.

"Come on, Liam," he said. "It's almost time."

The prisoner wore a guard's uniform, and Liam nodded, then stood — a similar uniform covering his own body.

I swallowed hard.

Yes, the plan was very much underway.

I gingerly got to my feet as the line stretched to outside my cell.

"We're home," Darlene said, voice uncharacteristically soft as she took her place at the back of the line. "Can you believe it? Home!"

An anxious knot twisted in my stomach. Everything was moving so fast! I thought I'd have more time!

Within the next hour, they'd either be safely away or —

No.I wouldn't consider the other possibility.

"Thank the gods you woke!" Mrs. Harlsted said, ducking past the line and into the cell, offering me awarm smile. "I was about to get Mr. Harlsted in here to help carry you out. Wasn't I, Liam?"