27. Chapter 27

27

Chapter 27

Mia

S oren's quarters are blessedly quiet when I wake up. The place is silent as a morgue. Which is appropriate since it's designed to house the undead.

Although he certainly didn't feel undead last night. He felt very much alive.

"Stop it, Mia," I groan, my voice muffled by my palms as I cover my face with my hands.

I drag myself out of bed, my muscles aching from the tension of the past few days. The plush carpet feels foreign under my bare feet as I pad to the bathroom.

Flicking on the light, I squint at my reflection in the mirror. My auburn hair is a tangled mess, and dark circles shadow my eyes. I look…defeated. I hate it.

"Pull yourself together," I mutter, reaching for the toothbrush Soren provided. The mint taste is sharp on my tongue, the bristles of the toothbrush a small luxury I'd forgotten about during my captivity. As I brush, I can't help but think of Sabine and Jemma. Are they really gone? Or is this another of Soren's lies?

I spit and rinse, gripping the edge of the sink. No. I can't let myself spiral into despair. I need to stay sharp, stay focused.

The shower beckons, and I strip off the oversized T-shirt I've been sleeping in. The hot water cascades over me, and for a moment, I let myself relax. It's been so long since I've had a proper shower. The cold hose-downs that Patty used to inflict may have ended when she disappeared, but the showers in the washrooms weren't equipped with hot water, so the warm flow feels like heaven.

As I lather up, my mind drifts to last night. Soren's touch, his lips on mine… I shake my head violently, sending water droplets flying. No. That was a moment of weakness, nothing more.

I still despise him and everything he stands for.

I step out of the shower, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. Clean clothes are waiting for me – simple, but far better than what I've been wearing. As I dress, I can't help but wonder about Soren's motives. Why the sudden change? What game is he playing?

I run a comb through my damp hair, wincing as it catches on tangles. My reflection looks more like myself now, but there's a hardness in my eyes that wasn't there before. Good. I'll need that strength to survive this place, to find a way out.

I head into the kitchen, my stomach growling insistently. The fridge is well-stocked, a luxury I'd almost forgotten existed. I grab eggs, cheese, and some fresh vegetables, relishing the simple act of choosing my own meal.

As I whisk the eggs, I can't help but smile at the sizzle when they hit the pan. The aroma of cooking food fills the air, and for a moment, I can almost pretend I'm back home. Almost.

I plate my omelet and settle at the small table, savoring the first bite. It's nothing fancy, but after months of eating whatever was put in front of me, it tastes like heaven. I'm surprised by how ravenous I feel, devouring the food with an eagerness that startles me.

Halfway through my meal, I hear footsteps approaching the door. My fork clatters to the plate as I freeze, my heart racing. Soren. It has to be him. What am I supposed to say after last night? How can I face him when I'm still so confused about everything?

Not confused. It was a mistake, pure and simple.

The footsteps stop outside the door, and I hear the sound of the keypad beside the door beeping. I stand up, my chair scraping against the floor. My palms are sweaty, and I wipe them on my pants, trying to compose myself.

The door swings open, and I brace myself for Soren's entrance, dread churning in my stomach.

It's Heath Moonshadow.

My mouth drops open.

"What are you doing here?" I snap when I manage to get my wits together.

"Mia, Mia, is that any way to greet an old friend?" He smirks.

"No. And if I see an old friend, I'll be sure to greet them warmly. What the fuck do you want, Heath?"

Heath saunters into the room like he owns the place, his violet eyes scanning every corner. My skin crawls as his gaze lingers on me.

"Well, well," he drawls, running a finger along the edge of a bookshelf. "Soren's certainly living it up, isn't he? I'd have thought he'd turn the place into some kind of over-the-top bat cave."

I clench my fists, willing myself to stay calm. "I asked you a question, Heath. What are you doing here?"

He ignores me, moving to examine the spine of a book. "You know, I always pegged Soren for more of a baroque kinda guy. But this minimalist vibe…it's downright dismal." He turns to me with a smirk. "Although, I bet you're finding it quite comfortable after the last place, aren't you, Mia?"

My patience snaps. "For the last time, what do you want?" I spit out, taking a step toward him. "If you're just here to gloat, you can turn right around and leave."

Heath's expression shifts, a cold gleam entering his eyes. "Now, now, have you forgotten that I'm an old family friend? I'm hurt, truly."

I scoff, crossing my arms. "You lost that label when you betrayed us all, Heath. You're nothing to me. Less than nothing."

He shrugs, unbothered. "I prefer to think of it as…evolving. Adapting to changing circumstances."

I can't believe his casual dismissal of his actions. I take an involuntary step back, acutely aware of how alone I am with him.

Where is Soren?

Suddenly, the thought of him walking through that door isn't so unappealing anymore.

"You still haven't answered my question," I say, hating the slight tremor in my voice. "What do you want?"

Heath's smile widens, predatory and cruel. "Oh, Mia. It's not about what I want. It's about what Lucien wants. And right now? He wants more of that precious Blackwood blood."

"Well, he'll have to be patient." I fold my arms across my chest. "There's only so much I can give before he drains me dry."

"You're absolutely right." He shrugs. "Which is why we've decided to bring in another source."

I stare at Heath in confusion, trying to make sense of his words. "Another source? What are you talking about?" But even as I ask, a sickening realization dawns on me.

Heath's grin widens, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, come now, Mia. Surely, you can guess. Your family's always been known for its… potent bloodline."

"No," I whisper, horror settling in. "You can't mean…"

"One of your sisters," Heath confirms smugly. "Rowan and Kara…they'll do the trick. But don't worry, I'm sure they'll be treated just as…hospitably as you've been."

I feel the blood drain from my face, my legs suddenly weak. I grip the edge of the table to steady myself. "You're lying," I manage to choke out. "You wouldn't dare."

Heath laughs, the sound cold and cruel. "Oh, Mia. You have no idea what we're capable of. Your family's reign is coming to an end, and it's about time someone put you Blackwoods in your place."

There's a bitterness in his voice that catches me off guard. I've known Heath for years, but I've never heard him speak like this before. The resentment in his eyes is like poison, and for a moment, I wonder how long he's been harboring these feelings.

But the thought is fleeting, overwhelmed by the terror gripping my heart. My sisters. In danger. Here.

I can't let that happen.

"Heath, please," I beg, swallowing my pride. "Whatever issues you have with my family, leave my sisters out of it. They've done nothing to you."

He scoffs. "Done nothing? You Blackwoods have always looked down on everyone else. Always so perfect, so powerful. Do you have any idea what it's like to constantly be compared to you?"

I shake my head. "We never compared ourselves to anyone."

"You didn't have to. My dear mother was more than happy to. Do you know what it's like to be the son of a coven elder? The nephew of the High Priestess? I was never fucking good enough. And to add insult to injury, I wasn't born female." He snorts.

"Heath, if we somehow hurt you, I'm so so sorry." I inject every ounce of sincerity I can muster into my voice. "But please, please don't drag my sisters into this."

Heath gives a nonchalant shrug. "Too late. That wheel's already turning. Lucien has made up his mind."

"Well then, I'll fight you," I say belligerently. "Every drop you get out of me will be a battle."

Heath laughs shrilly. It's an ugly, high-pitched sound, and I wonder how I never noticed that about him before.

"Mia, it won't matter. If you become more trouble than you're worth, we'll just get rid of you."

A shiver of gooseflesh ripples over my skin. "You wouldn't."

"Wouldn't we? You saw how easy it was to dispose of your little friends. Lucien will give the order without a moment of hesitation. Besides, he has his eye on a target that's infinitely more powerful."

"Kara," I gasp. "Please, Heath. Please don't do this!"

"Actually, it's Rowan. Seems she's come into her own since you've been gone. Amazing how much can happen in a year."

I hear a choking sound and realize that it's me. My throat feels like it's closing. I can't draw air.

Oh God, I've been here a year. I've lost an entire year of my life thanks to these power-hungry maniacs.

I stare at Heath, my mind reeling from the onslaught of information and threats. But Heath isn't done. He seems to be reveling in my distress.

"You know," he says, casually leaning against the wall, "I always wondered what it would be like to see a Blackwood truly broken. Gotta say, Mia, it's quite the sight."

I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to lash out. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Heath's eyes glitter with malice. "Oh, immensely. You have no idea how long I've waited to see you lot taken down a peg or two. Always so high and mighty, thinking you're better than everyone else."

"We never thought that," I protest weakly, but he waves it off.

"Save it. You didn't have to say it. It was in every perfect spell, every flawless ritual. I spent my life growing up in your shadow. Well, that time has passed." He pushes off the wall, stalking toward me.

I take an involuntary step back, my heart racing. "I'm sorry if we ever made you feel that way. It wasn't intentional."

Heath laughs, the sound harsh and bitter. "Oh, that's rich. The great Mia Blackwood, apologizing. Too little, too late, I'm afraid." He leans in close, his breath hot on my face. "But don't worry, I'll make sure your sisters get a proper welcome when they arrive. Maybe I'll even give them the grand tour myself."

The threat in his voice is unmistakable, and I want to scream, to fight, to do something. But I can't. I've never felt so powerless in my life.

"Anyhooo…" Heath snaps off a mock salute. "I'd better get going. Things to do, witches to kidnap, and all that good stuff." With a final smirk, he turns to leave.

I stare at the closed door, bile rising up my throat. Heath's words echo in my mind, each one a dagger to my heart. Rowan. They're going after Rowan. My little sister, who I've always felt the need to protect, is now in danger because of me.

I sink to the floor, my legs finally giving in. The cool tile presses against my skin, but I barely notice it. All I can think about is Rowan, her face etched in my mind. Her warm smile, her tortoiseshell glasses slipping down her nose as she bends over a spell book, her frustration when her magic doesn't work quite right.

"No," I whisper, my voice cracking. "No, no, no."

I curl into myself, wrapping my arms around my knees. Tears burn hot trails down my cheeks, but I don't bother to wipe them away. What's the point? I'm trapped here, powerless to help my sister, powerless to warn her.

A sob tears from my throat, raw and painful. I'm so damned useless. Even when I was first captured, even during those long months in that cold cell, I always had hope. I always believed I'd find a way out, a way to get back home.

But now? Now I know the truth. I'm nothing but a pawn in their game, and my family is collateral damage.

"I'm sorry, Rowan," I choke out between sobs. "I'm so sorry. I should have been stronger. I should have found a way out."

But I didn't. And now Rowan will pay the price for my failure.

I don't know how long I sit there, lost in my grief and guilt. Time seems to stand still, each second an eternity of pain and regret. All I can do is pray that somehow, some way, Rowan will be safe. That she'll be stronger than I was. That she'll find a way to escape the fate I couldn't.

But deep down, I know it's a foolish hope. If they want her, they'll get her.

Just like they got me.