Page 73 of Seared Fates

“She went to a different club with a group of women, and she let Golden know she’ll text him when she gets home.”

I nod, glad to know everyone is accounted for.

My hand hovers over the doorknob.

When I finally rejoined the world after my long isolation, fear had stilled me from twisting the handle and leaving. There wasso much unknown, and while apathy was terrible, it was at least a terrible I understood. Again, I have to choose to face the world.

I suck in a deep breath, fingers curling around the cool handle as I push it down and step out of this room that almost became another cage—just like the abandoned mansion had.

Kai is worth it.

I glance over my shoulder to where Lucero follows.

So are my offspring.

“I can’t keep apologising to Kai.” My voice echoes against the stark grey walls, the sound of our shoes against the stairs drowned out by music muffled behind the heavy door. “You should’ve seen his face when he left. He thought I was rejecting him again; he was crushed.”

“So you’re giving up?”

“Fuck no.” I turn towards the exit. “I need to speak with him now, I can’t wait a second longer.”

We leave the club for the mild winter night. Now I’m no longer numb, my legs eat up the distance towards Lucero’s car as if I’ve been shot with adrenaline, determined to make things right.

Damn my confusing feelings, fuck that I’m straight.

I love Kai. I have loved him since before I ever set eyes on him, and now I just hope I can win my soulmate back.

I pull out my phone as we slide into Lucero’s car, and I call my mate while Lucero drives away from the curb.

“Kai isn’t picking up,” I say as his phone continues to ring, hanging up when it reaches voicemail.

“Are you surprised?”

Lucero drives in the direction of Kai’s flat, and I remain silent as an uncomfortable knot forms in my chest. I hope Kai can forgive me.

“What are you going to say, Maker?”

“I don’t know. The truth.”

“Maybe practice before we get there, words aren’t your forté.”

I flip Lucero off, and his chuckle fills the small space, and when the knot in my chest tightens, I rub at it with my fist.

“Are you okay?” Lucero asks, shooting me a glance.

I shift, wincing. “I’m fine. My chest…” I keep rubbing, the ache turning into pain.

“Maker—”

I double over, a yell bursting out of me as a sharp stab slices through my middle. I rip open my shirt, convinced I’ve somehow been stabbed. But even as it feels like my skin is being flayed open, nothing’s there.

Some sense calls to me, and without fully grasping why, I reach for my connection with Kai and nearly flinch away as if I’ve gripped a razor. Yet I strengthen my hold with all my might; something is hurting my little prince. Like hell I’m letting go. “Hurry, Luc!”

“What’s happening, Vidar?” Lucero demands, starting to pull over.

“No!” I shout. Then shout again when a clawing agony rips through my sternum. “Something's wrong with Kai! Get to him!”

Without a word, Lucero slams his foot down, and we speed through the thankfully empty streets.