Charis
Every step away from Kael felt like a knife twisting in my chest.
We moved quickly through the corridors, Sarah and Tom supporting Slater between them, Riley following close behind. My feet kept moving forward, but everything in me was screaming to turn around. To go back. To not leave him alone.
Go back, Rhyme whined inside me. Go back to my mate. He's in danger, and we need to protect him."
"I can't," I whispered under my breath. "He told us to go. You know what he's always told me about wanting to fight, knowing I was far and safe."
But he needs us, Charis. I feel it. I feel danger. Death…
"Stop it," I hissed, pressing my hand against my chest. The mate bond was pulling, tugging, like a rope tied around my heart. Every step away made it worse.
"Charis?" Slater's voice was weak but concerned. "You okay?"
"Fine," I lied. "We should keep moving."
