Chapter 17: Punishment for Failing

Samantha

"What are you waiting for? Go." I laid down beside the dead guard because I was in too much pain to do anything else. Knox could get out of this place. The idea of him flying away made my heart lurch. I'd wanted so badly to go with him, but this was my punishment for falling for him in the first place. At least I could have peace that he'd escaped this nightmare.

He stood over me, his silver eyes pinched. Emotions warred in his expression and I wouldn't guilt him into staying.

"It's okay. Go. You have to." I licked my dry, cracked lips. "They'll be coming soon." And he was going to take my heart with him when he left. I would hold onto the memory of his touch, his kiss, his arms wrapped around me forever.

"Never," he said, bending down and lifting me into his arms.