Page 35 (1/2)

Stuainst the wall, he barely heard Kody “I just need a ed, he doubled over in absolute agony It hurt so much, his teeth chattered Noit under control

“Are you bleeding?”

He must have reopened the wound on his return “It’ll stop” Eventually At least the external injuries would

“Let me see” She pulled at his shirt

“No!” he snarled, but it was too late She’d already seen his shame that had been branded into his flesh

“You’re cursed”

He glared at her “Aren’t we all?” He pulled away and sank to the floor so that he could steady his breathing and acclimate to the pain of his wounds

“What are you?” she breathed “Really?”

He“As you said, my lady … Cursed” Finally, the pain overwheled him back to the darkness he hated with every

“Hey, Xev, what’s keep…” Nick’s voice trailed off as he opened the door and saw the last thing he expected

Kody, in the middle of his room

A million eazesone was joy at seeing her there

Hoas this possible?

“Are you real?” His voice trembled with the fear that this was another illusion That he’d reach to touch her and she’d vanish

Tears flooded those beautiful green eyes “I’ht

Nick trembled as he buried his face in her hair and inhaled the ainst the silken strands “How? Simi said you couldn’t coestured toward Xevikan “I don’t kno, but he rescued asted, Nick released her and ran to check on his new friend “Xev?”

He ca

Nick barely had ti, Xevikan rolled into a crouching position, ready to attack His eyes feral, he glanced around as if looking for so that wanted to eat him

“Xev! You’re safe It’s me, Nick”

Finally, he calmed down and relaxed even while he remained on all fours “Did I pass out?”

“Yeah You okay?”

He sat down on the floor Leaning his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes “I can’t die”