Page 26

CHAPTER 26

E irik

Sasha paces the stone chamber where Commander Rager, the head of the Enforcers, has his main office. Commander Rager stands motionless in the corner, his massive Muharib body rippling with power. His feline green eyes are set on the map of the city displayed on the wide screen covering the entire wall. The soft fur along his head and back ripples slightly—the only sign of his agitation.

“I can’t believe she would do this.” Sasha’s voice cracks as she spins to face me. “I should have seen something.”

Before I can respond, the door slides opens and Chancellor Ry enters, his cane tapping a steady cadence against the floor. His face is grave as his gaze goes from Commander Rager to me.

“Tell me everything,” he commands, lowering himself into one of the chairs.

I explain quickly—the warehouse trap, Maitlin’s betrayal, the loss of the Soul Stone. With each word, my spikes push closer to the surface, reflecting my rising fury. If the Soul Stone falls into Empire hands, the consequences will be catastrophic for Tartarus and the Huugwor nation both.

“Sargul’s Fortress is heavily fortified,” Commander Rager rumbles. “A direct assault would be costly.”

“We don’t need a direct assault,” Sasha interrupts, finally stopping her pacing. “I know that fortress better than anyone. Sargul will keep the Soul Stone in the Vault. It’s so well fortified, it would be virtually impossible to open. But if we can blow up a wall, I know where the most direct access to his personal chambers is.”

Commander Rager and Chancellor Ry turn to her, frowning. They know she’s a member of Sargul’s little family. It’s more than clear from their expressions that they don’t trust her.

“She’s telling the truth,” I tell them. “She took me there once. She’s my mate. She can be trusted.”

Commander Rager’s gaze levels with mine and after a few moments, he nods. We don’t know each other, but he understands the mating bond and he doesn’t need more reassurance.

“Show us.” Commander Rager moves to give her some space. A holographic map of the streets surrounding the Fortress shimmers to life.

Sasha leans forward, pointing out security positions and patrol patterns. Her intimate knowledge of the target is invaluable—and terrifying. Each detail she shares reminds me that this is the home she grew up in. That those people she’s betraying used to be her family.

“We can create a distraction here.” Commander Rager indicates the main gate. “My Enforcers launch an assault, draw their forces to defend the walls. Meanwhile, a small strike team infiltrates through the tunnels.”

For what feels like hours, we refine the plan to take over the Fortress. We will need to move fast, before Lady Ozura has a chance to escape the city with the Soul Stone. When we’re finally certain that our plan is as good as it’s going to get, we all pause in silence.

“I’ll lead the strike team.” I break the quiet moment. “Commander Rager will lead the front door assault. We move fast, hit hard, retrieve the stone.”

“I’m coming too.” Sasha’s chin lifts in that familiar stubborn tilt. “You need me to guide you through those tunnels. One wrong turn and you’ll get lost.”

My chest tightens. She’s right, her knowledge is essential. But the thought of leading her into that death trap makes my blood run cold.

“We’ll need weapons.” I turn to the Muharib. “And armor for Sasha if we’re going into battle. Something that can fit such a small, fragile female. Something secure so she won’t get hurt, no matter what happens.”

Sasha frowns at me, but then turns away and keeps speaking with Ry. Commander Rager’s knowing gaze meets mine and I can only hope the Muharib understands my meaning. I cannot allow her to come with us into battle.

“The armory has an impressive selection. Including some specialized containment equipment in the lower level that might be of interest.”

Understanding passes between us. He’s offering a solution that I don’t like, but must accept. The holding cells below the armory would keep her secure while I deal with this threat.

“Let’s see what you have available,” I say, careful to keep my voice neutral. “Sasha needs proper protection before we move forward.”

Sasha perks up at this, clearly eager to arm herself. She has no idea I plan to ensure her safety by other means. The guilt twists in my gut, but I push it aside. She will forgive me, in time.

“Come.” I gesture to Sasha. “Show me your thoughts on the best approach through the tunnels.”

She follows eagerly as we step behind Commander Rager and then deeper into the facility. The corridors are a maze of stone hallways.

“The main shaft branches into three tunnels,” she explains, hands moving animatedly. “But only the middle one leads to the?—”

She stops mid-sentence as we reach the door to the holding cells. The small room contains three identical cells arranged in a row, each about twelve feet square. The cells feature simple metal-frame beds with thin mattresses and a small desk bolted to the wall. I notice there are no toilets in the cells, which means the Enforcers need to bring the prisoners to the facilities on a regular basis. Which means they must not have prisoners regularly in these cells. At least, not dangerous ones.

Bright overhead lights illuminate the space, reflecting off the polished concrete floors. Steel bars separate the cells from the walkway.

“What are we doing here?” Her eyes narrow with suspicion.

“Sasha.” I turn to face her fully, drinking in the sight of her fierce expression. “I can’t let you come with us.”

Her mouth opens wide and such a look of shock paints on her face, it would be comical if it wasn’t for the hurt in her eyes.

“That’s not your decision to make.” She takes a step back, but I match it. “I’m not some helpless girl who needs protecting. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can.” I reach for her face, cupping her cheek gently. “That’s not why I’m doing this.”

Her eyes widen as understanding dawns. She tries to duck away, but I’m faster, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her off her feet. She fights. Of course she fights, she’s as fierce as they come, but she’s no match for my size and strength. In seconds, I have her inside the nearest cell.

The magnetic latch locks with an audible lick as I step back, sealing her in. Sealing her in safety. Her fists slam against bars, but they don’t even move.

“You bastard!” she screams. “Let me out!”

I turn to the young Enforcer standing at the doorway as Sasha’s voice inflates. Curses fly from her pretty lips as her anger and outrage rise. I knew she would react this way. Still, I would rather face her anger than risk her life.

“What is your name?”

“J-Jax, sir.” The young man looks at me then Commander Rager and finally Sasha. Confusion, then understanding paints his features. “Sir?”

“Guard her with your life,” I command. “Do not let her out until I return. No matter what she says or does.”

“You can’t do this!” Sasha’s voice cracks with hurt and betrayal. “Eirik, please! You need me out there to show you the way.”

I force myself to turn away, each step feeling like I’m walking through quicksand. At the door, I pause, pressing my hand against the cold stone wall. Every fiber of my being screams at me to go back, to release her, to keep her by my side.

“Forgive me, little thief,” I whisper into the empty air.

Then I straighten my spine and stride away to prepare for war, leaving my heart behind in a cell of stone and light.

Each step away from her feels like acid in my veins, but I keep moving. Her curses follow me into the hallway, a stream of creative profanity that would make a hardened criminal blush.

“She’s going to make you pay for that,” Ry observes as we stride down the corridor.

I know. But she’ll be alive to do it.