Page 195 of Blood Day

But I kept trying.

Even as we were shuffled off of the bus and onto a plane.

Even after finding my place inside a cage.

Even as I was told to lie down and sleep.

Even while I dreamt and again when I woke.

Nothing. Not a single word.

Because he’s letting me go. Either he’s given up on me, or he’s dead.

Only, I suspected I would sense the latter. Or perhaps I wouldn’t. I couldn’t feel him inside me at all. I was just Lily. Alone with my thoughts. Holding on to a card as though it carried the meaning of life. Sitting beside the breeding-camp female. Trying not to show an ounce of emotion.

The crying woman from the bus was long gone. She’d been unable to suppress her sobs, and the lycan had taught her a lesson. Or, more accurately, he’d used the human to demonstrate what would happen to all of us if we didn’t remain silent.

I’d barely noticed, too busy chanting at Cedric to truly fear the brutality unfolding before me.

There were more incidents on the plane.

But the bus around me now was far quieter, everyone resigned to their fates, or perhaps we all had simply lost the will to live.

Although, the blonde female beside me—the same one I’d been next to throughout my journey from the Blood Day ceremony to here—didn’t seem dejected. She wore a bored expression instead, her gaze flicking to the windows as we drove through the darkness.

There was something calculative about her. I hoped she didn’t try to flee or cause a scene. The lycans would simply chase her and destroy her.

Like they’re going to do to me during the next moon chase,I thought.I’m exactly where you said I would be, Cedric. And I’m starting to wonder if that was your intent all along.

Not exactly a fair statement to make after everything we’d experienced together, but I couldn’t help the kernel of anger working its way through my heart and my mind.

He left me.

He abandoned me.

And now I’m going to be wolf food.

The bus went through a high-walled gate, the moon glinting off the wiry top. The female beside me narrowed her gaze at the barricade, her jaw clenching. But in a blink, she schooled her features and looked forward again.

Only to then glance at me when she realized I was watching her.

She arched a blonde brow in challenge, confirming that she wasn’t dejected at all, but intent on fighting this fate.

I ignored her and returned my gaze to the lycans at the front. I wanted no part in whatever she planned to do.

The metal groaned around us as the tires protested the path, forcing the bus to inch along a long, dark road that seemed to go on for miles.

My seatmate returned her eyes to the window, as did I, both of us observing the barren land illuminated by bright lights out in the yard.

A windowless cement building appeared in the distance, the three-story structure resembling a rock more than a residence hall.

Is this the breeding camp?I wondered.Or the holding center for the moon chase?

My blood chilled as the bus parked alongside the ominous structure.

Will they tell us to disembark and run?

Or will there be some warm-up sessions first?