Page 159 of Remnants: Disruption
Apparently, the effort alone is too much and I wretch out again. The dirt splatters with watery bile.
There’s a few shouts, and I vaguely hear someone screaming about murdered councilors before footsteps approach at speed.
“Get us a path out of here,” Cass’ voice is normal now, but I can’t lift my head to check.
It has to be her, right?
“Prove it to me—” I spit a wad of something red into the dirt. My lungs are definitely fucked. “Prove to me you’re her.”
Her lips are beside my ear and her breath tickles at my canal. “I made you come all over my fingers last night.”
Instead of what would normally have been arousal, only relief and something far stronger surge through me.
“Oh, thank God,” I let out, not caring that it sounds pathetic and watery. “Thank God.”
She helps me to my feet, and I feel the world tilt on its axis. Her arm comes around my waist, and I lean heavily against her. She smells spicy and warm.
My head lolls, and I see the way everyone stares at us. Their eyes flit to Azazel who leads our small group then to Cass. And then to me.
“I can walk on my own,” I whisper, trying to pull away. “A God Queen wouldn’t carry her subject.”
Cass doesn’t loosen her grip, and I think another shadow portal, even out of spite, might put me out for another week.
“I do not care what they think,” she says, voice tight with worry and a hint of annoyance. “Anyone who dares to use you against me will likely meet their end at your hands.”
I nod and flop my head down on her shoulder, breathing her in. Her perfect, intoxicating presence.
“Why did you run?” she asks, and the question feels so similar to the Gareth version.
“Please, just—” I feel tears again and lips press against my temple. Her lips.
The ground gets difficult to walk on. Lights flash and the world desaturates.
Suddenly, there’s softness beneath me. A seat.
My vision blurs and it’s difficult to tell, but I think there’s running water.
“Come on,” a voice says, sounding tired. She sounds tired.
My joggers come off easily, I think. I try to help, but I’m not sure why my legs aren’t working.
Nor why my eyes won’t open fully.
“Hey,” the voice says again and I feel cool hands press against my face.
Cass’ lovely orange eyes swim into view. Then her lips and teeth. Her nose.
“What—” I whisper and she presses her delicate finger to my mouth.
“I am going to strip you. Please do not think for a moment that this is how I wanted this first time to go.”
I nod, not sure what she means.
She tugs at the front of my shirt, the material ripping easily with her insane strength.
I glance down at my bare chest, only covered by a bra I’d thrown on maybe yesterday. Or today. I don’t know.
“Trust me?” Cass asks, and I meet her gaze again. She looks flushed, but her eyes don’t stray.
