Chapter Eighteen

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Tabitha

"Kozzanth will go with Tabitha," Raisi says. "Theo and I will wait along the path to make sure the humans go the right way. We will appoint someone to stay at the gate to ensure they do not flood out too many at a time."

"I've asked David to do that," Theodas says. "And he agreed."

I'm not sure who David is. I place my hand on Theodas's arm. "Tell him I said thank you for offering to help." He nods once. "So, I guess we're good to go then?"

"Yes, my queen," Theo says.

Kozzanth turns to look at me. "Are you ready?"

"I am."

"Walk as straight a line as you can," Theo tells Koz, who moves to the hole in the cage. I glance back at the ogre, who is sleeping now. Snoring loudly. Not sure he'd have noticed us escaping if he were awake. He hardly looked over here at all. They probably think since we're in a cage, there is no escaping. They really have small brains.

Kozzanth moves through the hole in the fence, staying crouched beside it on the other side and offers his hand. I kneel down and fit through the hole with ease, taking his hand once I am free.

"Make sure she sticks close. The path isn't wide." Theo holds my gaze, though his words are meant for Kozzanth.

He pulls me to his side. If he thinks I'd go more than an inch away from him, he's crazy. I don't want to be squished by an ogre.

Kozzanth takes sure and confident steps, holding onto my arm and guiding me as we go. It's dark, and at one point, I can't see anything which has me holding onto him tighter.

"I am able to see," he whispers so quietly I hardly hear him. I nod, though I'm not sure if he sees it or not. I forgot they can see in the dark. Not as well as they see in the light, but better than I can.

"We are halfway there."

The relief I feel has me breathing easier. With each step, we are closer to escaping than we were to being trapped. My heart is pounding. I want to glance behind me to see if there is anyone there, but I'm too afraid to do anything but walk forward. I know nothing about these ogres and their technology or what they're capable of. What if they smell us? Hear us? What if they get alerted that their spells were disarmed? Anything could happen. Still, I wouldn't change my mind about helping the others. They deserve a chance too.

We come to a stop, and I blink a few times, realizing there is something in front of us. The house. Or hut. Whatever they call it, I can't be sure. But it's here, right in front of me, and wow, it's so much bigger than it looks from afar. The handle is so high we can't even reach it.

"How do we—"

The door swings open just enough for us to squeeze through.

"Magic," Koz whispers.

The word is simple, but it comes out husky and has my pussy aching. Now isn't the time, but my gods, I can't help how attracted I am to these men. Their brilliant minds. Muscles. Voices. Especially now, when I feel relief over being free. I want to celebrate.

Kozzanth steps inside first, keeping his large hand around my elbow. He guides me in after him, and I immediately hear the whir of magic. I look up, and even in the dark, I see the glow of the portal. It's the largest one I've ever seen. But of course it would be, considering it is made for creatures the size of buildings.

"We wait here," Kozzanth says.

It's seconds, maybe minutes before the first person comes through the door. Time isn't something I can keep track of now. It all bleeds together. I'm too nervous to focus on it.

Right after this person, comes another. Then another and another. With each one through the door, the tightness in my chest eases. Each person who passes by me is a life saved.

"Wait here. Do not move," Kozzanth says sternly.

He goes to the group of people who have gathered nearby and talks to them in a voice so low I cannot hear. A few glance at the portal and nod. People still come in as he speaks with them. A few join him, and a few stay to the side.

I watch as he counts off people, getting a group of ten together and gesturing for them to move to the portal. They hold hands and step forward all at once. The portal takes them in. And they're gone. Hopefully to somewhere safe.

"Almost finished." I look to my side and see Raisi there. He's smiling at me. Theo walks in next, moving toward Kozzanth, who is talking to the next group of people.

"He's mad at me."

Raisi shakes his head adamantly. "No, he could never be. He's just… dealing with his plan being changed."

I smirk and take Rai's hand. "I'd be dead if it weren't for the three of you."

"We're only doing our duty," he says.

And for some reason, that has my heart hurting, even though it was meant to be an innocent comment.

They're only doing this because I paid for them. Because it's what they're trained to do. Because by law, they have to do anything I say. I need to remember that. As much as they look like normal men; they aren't. They have been purchased for a reason. They have a job to do. They are as good as hired help. No matter how much they show they care for me, it is only surface deep. A duty. Their heart will never be in this.

Are Dravens capable of love? I'm not sure. When Raisi and I spoke, he mentioned them doing what they are allowed. They will go only as far as their master lets them. He told me that are capable of love, but of real love? True love? Or only what they think is love?

Could they love me? Is that a sick thought? Am I so desperate for affection that I have to buy it?

Why am I wondering about this? It doesn't matter. Between them and me, it's nearly a captive situation. They know nothing else of me, so why wouldn't they love me? It's like a child loving their parents. They know nothing else. But if I set them free… if they had no constraints, would it be me they came back to?

"It's time." I blink a few times, looking up to see Theo. A glance around shows the room is empty. Everyone has gone through. Everyone but us.

I nod and step forward until I am at the portal. Its magic calls to me, pulling me toward it, wanting to take me to wherever its twin is.

The men form somewhat of a triangle around me, shielding me as best they can.

"On the count of thr—"

An ear-piercing shriek sounds from outside, causing all four of us to jolt.

"Or we just go now," Raisi says, placing both hands on my shoulders and urging me forward.

"Good idea," Theo says.

We rush forward just as the door to the hut bursts open. The portal sucks us in, but not before I get a glimpse of the sickly green ogre running toward us.

The portal spins us, dizzying me more than it normally would. I can only contribute that to its size and the amount of magic needed for it to work.

Once on the other side, I get dropped to my feet. There are a few people lingering about. Either waiting for us or not knowing what to do now that they are free.

"We must go," Theo says, grabbing my arm and moving. "It's likely he will come after us."

"Run!" I shout at the people there. Their eyes widen, and they move, even though they do not know why. The group of us runs in enough time to get ahead of the ogre, who comes barreling out of the portal seconds later, roaring like a rabid animal.

Someone grabs me and hoists me up. I can only assume—and hope—it's one of my guys. We duck into the trees, scattering as we seek safety.

We move quickly and eventually all I hear are the trees whizzing by. No more screaming or shouting. No more growling or roaring. No heavy footsteps. Eventually we come to a stop, and I'm put on my feet. I'm relieved when I see Kozzanth. But when I look around, I don't see anyone else.

"Koz…"

He shakes his head, keeping his hand on my arm. He looks around too.

"Koz," I try again. "Where are the others?"

"I don't know," he answers, and those words have me dropping to my knees.

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