Page 181 of Hymns of the Broken

Riot’s next to me as we reach the cabin. The second we’re out, the world explodes—Blake’s already firing from the porch, a wild look in his eyes, nothing but desperation left. I hit the dirt behind a tree, gun drawn, every muscle strung tight with rage.

“You motherfucker!” Riot bellows, bullets cracking into the siding above his head.

Ash, Dex, and Jace flank wide, drawing fire, giving me and Riot the opening we need. We barrel through the side door just as Blake’s gun clicks empty, then he’s running, yelling, desperate, not nearly fast enough.

I see red. I don’t even remember dropping my weapon before I’m onhim, Riot right there with me. Blake swings at Riot, but I catch his arm, wrenching him to the ground. We both start beating him with fists, boots, everything—until Dex yells, “Enough! We need him alive!”

Riot hauls him up by the hair, blood streaming from his nose. “You’re gonna wish you died out here. You’re coming back with us, you sick fuck.”

I grab him by the throat, snarl in his face, “You touch her again, you breathe her name, and I will tear you apart myself. Get him in the van. NOW.”

RIOT

Blake’s barely conscious, tossed in the van, Jace and Ash standing guard. But my heart’s pounding so hard I think I’ll pass out.

I picked up a set of keys that fell from his pocket when we tossed him in the van. “She’s in here somewhere!” I shout, gripping the keys, pushing through every room, adrenaline pumping wildly.

“Sawyer!” Jasper calls, voice shaking. “Sawyer, where are you?!”

I follow the sound of running water to the bathroom.

My stomach drops when I see the hook, the chains, the puddle of blood and water.

And then her. Crumpled, shaking, eyes huge and wild, skin covered in bruises and red marks.

For a second, I can’t breathe.

She looks up, and the world narrows down to just us.

SAWYER

For one terrifying second, I think it’s Blake again. But then I see them. Jasper and Riot standing in the door way, shock and anger written on their faces. Riot’s faceis smearedwith blood, and his eyes are watery and filled with pain.

I cry, and Jasper takes the keys from Riot and crashes to his knees beside me, hands gentle but shaking as he unlocks the cuffs. Riot pulls me into his arms just as Silas burls into the room, immediately freezing when his eyes take in the scene before him. Riot’s whole body trembles as he rocks me back and forth.

“I’m here,” he chokes out. “You’re safe. We got you. We’re here.”

Jasper’s voice is a whisper, words falling apart as he presses his forehead to mine. “I’m so fucking sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.”

I cling to them, barely able to breathe. I sob and shake, but for the first time in days, I don’t feel alone.

I want tosay something—anything—but all that comes out is a wrecked sob, my voice shredded by days of screaming, begging, and praying. I shake and shake, clinging to them like I’ll fly apart if I let go.

Silas stands at the door, making sure no one can get past, eyes like thunder. Ash brings Silas a blanket and hands it to Riot. He drapes it over my shoulders, whispering, “You’re alright now, Hellcat. We’ve got you. Nobody’s ever touching you again.”

I can hear the others outside; Blake isbeing dragged, and the van door slams shut. Riot and Jasper keep rocking me, whispering promises. All I can do is hang on, try to believe it’s over.

But under the pain, the fear, the humiliation, one thing burns bright as ever…

I survived.

Chapter 29

RIOT

She’s so small in my arms. I can barely breathe, carrying her through the woods, every step feeling like a punishment for not getting there sooner. Jasper is right beside me, blood still drying on his knuckles, his eyes locked on Sawyer like he’s afraid if he looks away, she’ll disappear.

Dex and Ash have Blake cuffed and blindfolded in the back of the van. Jace rides up front, silent, jaw locked, one hand on the pistol in his lap. Micah’s in the back seat, tapping furiously at his phone—making sure every camera, every sensor Blake set up is wiped clean. No evidence. No police. No rescue but us.