Page 217 of Star Bringer
I tell myself that it’s okay, that everything is going to plan. But it doesn’t make it any easier to be down here.
The moans are louder, as are the screams of agony, and I want nothing more than to rescue all of them. The fact that this has been going on with my mother’s permission—right under my nose—shames me like nothing else ever has.
One way or another, I’m going to end it. No matter what.
Ian stops in front of a heavy wooden door with bolts at the top and bottom. He’s still for a minute. I think there must be something wrong—or maybe he’s just scared of what he might find behind that door.
But finally, he moves, crouching and wrenching the lower bolt open before straightening and opening the second one as well. Then he pulls the door toward us and flashes the beam of light inside.
A moment later, someone hurls themselves at him. I raise my pistol, but there’s no way I can shoot without hitting Ian.
But judging by his shout of relief, I don’t think any shooting will be needed. The light crashes to the ground as Ian wraps his arms around the woman and swings her through the air. She’s laughing. I pick up the light and wait for them to finish.
“Whew, you smell,” Ian says as they come to a standstill. He puts her gently down, and their foreheads touch as they do the silent-talking thing again.
They both turn to me then, and I get my first good look at Milla. The similarity to Ian is astounding, even more so than with Max. She’s tall, maybe five centimeters or so taller than me, and with dark brown skin and eyes that look just like Ian’s. Her black hair must have been shaved at some point and is just now growing out.
She also has Ian’s sharp cheekbones and passionate mouth—and I’m guessing from the tilt of her chin, she also has Ian’s attitude.
Great.
Two assholes to deal with.
But I’m grinning so hard, they can probably see it back on theStarlight.
She’s wearing a gray jumpsuit, similar to the one Beckett was wearing when we first met, though it’s in tatters on her emaciated body. Dark bruises and scars mar her bare arms.
“Who’s this?” she asks aloud, giving me a cool look. Even her voice is familiar.
“This is Kali. She’s helping out.”
Her eyes narrow. “Since when?”
“Since…” He shrugs. “We’ll tell you everything later. Right now, we need to move.”
“Good idea.” She pauses. “How much room do you have for others?”
I step forward. “We should rescue as many as we possibly can. By any chance, do you know a young man named Jarved?”
Milla grins. “Do I ever. And even better—I can lead you to him.”
Finally, something has gone our way. For Beckett, we’ll get him out.
Milla touches Ian’s face. “Thank you. I thought I was going to die in this shithole.”
“So did I. And don’t thank me yet—a lot has to fall in place before we’re out of here.” He turns to me. “Kali, lead the way.”
So, I do, as fast as I possibly can. Just a little while longer and we can be away from this horrible place.
But there’s a lump in my stomach and a horrible feeling that so far, it’s been way too easy.
Nothing is going to go wrong,I tell myself.We planned for everything.
Too bad I don’t believe it.
Chapter 96
Ian
