Chapter 71: Not Without You

Xaden

I had tasted the lie on Riley's breath like a prickled fruit turned too tart to eat. Why was she lying to me? I waited for her to answer, but she turned away, facing the barred door like the answer lay beyond.

"We've got to get out of here, Xaden." She frowned, standing up.

I rose along with her and rolled my shoulders back and my wings ached all the way down my back from the strain. I'd denied myself the full healing sleep to heal them faster for too long. The fitful snooze I had earlier while worrying about Riley, was only enough to keep me going from one day to the next, but not enough for a complete healing.

"Both of us need rest, we can figure out what to do tomorrow."

"No." She shook her head. Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at my mutilated wings. "Last time we waited too long, and look what happened."

Better me than her being beaten. "The bars are solid. I've tried more times than I can count to bend or break them."