Chapter 5
Chapter 5
On the drive to meet the kidnappers, Renric sat across from me in tense silence, clearly there to make sure I didn’t try anything
stupid.
“You’re reborn too.” His voice was firm.
I stared out the window coldly, “And you’re still just as cruel to me as ever.”
He paused, then said quietly: “I’m sorry.”
CRACK! I slapped him hard across the face.
“Those three words are worthless to me in both lives.” His face turned away from the impact, hair falling across his eyes. When he finally spoke again, his voice was rough.
“I promise this is the last time.” His hand suddenly covered mine, gripping tight. “Let me get Celeste back-honor one last duty as her bodyguard-and I’ll do everything I can to save you.”
I laughed bitterly. He squeezed my hand tighter: “This is just temporary. I won’t let you actually get hurt.”
The exchange happened in an empty field. As Celeste and I passed each other, she suddenly broke into a run.
“Renric! Evander!”
I couldn’t help but turn around. Renric sprinted toward her, catching her in his arms while his whole body trembled. Evander quickly cut her ropes as Renric held her close, whispering what looked like: “Sorry… I failed to protect you…”
Something sharp twisted in my gut, even though I’d prepared myself not to matter to anyone.
Rough hands grabbed me from behind, snapping me out of it. Before I could say anything, they’d gagged me and everything went
dark.
