Page 69 of Unmasked Prophecy
“Let’s go,” I say, trying to sound braver than I feel.
We move quickly, our footsteps light. My heart beats in my throat as I try to keep up with Talon, whose pace is relentless. We reach the edge of the tents, using them for cover so we can peer down at the medical tent. Talon glances around, and then holds up a hand, signaling that there is someone there.
I take a look.
Ahead, a lone figure stands at the entrance, a bulky silhouette against the canvas. Talon crouches low, the motion so smooth and practiced it seems unreal. I watch as he moves, circling wide, so effortless and sleek my mouth actually drops open. He is so silent, so deadly, that the guard doesn’t even hear him coming.
In a swift movement—Talon’s arm snakes around the man’s neck, pulling him back into a chokehold. The guard’s hands flail for a second, and he lets out a slight yelp, but Talon is unyielding. I can’t look away. It takes a few minutes, but eventually, the guard sinks, knees hitting the ground with a dull thud before his head lolls forward, unconscious. I don’t breathe until Talon’s eyes meet mine, a silent call to follow.
I rush over, impressed.
We slip inside the tent, and I blink, adjusting to the dim light. It’s surprisingly quiet, the air heavy with antiseptic. Only one nurse, her back to us, checking something on a table. Before I can even register relief, Talon steps forward, gun in hand, voice a low command.
“Don’t move.”
The nurse freezes, and slowly, she turns to face us. When she notices me, her eyes widen. I don’t know her well, but I do know she is only young and her name is Georgia. She puts her hands up, taking a step back.
“Just do as he asks, Georgia,” I say, calmly.
Talon keeps the gun aimed on her, ordering her to turn around. She does as she is told, and he fetches a length of cord, binding her wrists. He then uses gauze and bandages to gag her, ordering her to sit down and not move. If she makes a sound, he will kill her.
My pulse pounds in my ears, but I force myself to focus, scanning for Lily.
There, at the far end, behind a thin curtain. I rush over, my breath catching. She’s curled on a cot, small and pale, her hair a fan on the pillow. She looks so sick, I’m actually scared to reach down for her, in case she doesn’t respond.
I slowly stretch out my fingers, feeling Talon’s presence behind me, as I stroke her cheek.
“Lily.”
She groans, and I almost sigh with relief.
Rolling, she looks up at me, so unwell I’m scared she won’t make it through this. “Nia?”
Her voice is barely a whisper.
“Hi, baby,” I whisper, stroking her sweat-soaked hair from her face. “I’m here to get you, like I promised. We’re going to take you somewhere to get help, then you’re coming to live with me. This is my friend Talon, he’s going to carry you, is that okay?”
Her eyes move to Talon and I turn, staring at him. I’m shocked by his expression. Gone is the hard, angry face he has been carrying and, in its place, there is something kind and gentle. He is looking at Lily with a mix of pity, shock, and anger. Like he wants to burn whoever did this to her.
Maybe now, he’ll understand.
“Yes,” Lily whispers, hesitant.
“I promise you, he is going to take good care of you,” I say, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I won’t be far behind, I just have to get some things. I need you to promise me you’ll do whatever Talon tells you. Do you promise?”
She nods. Still unsure.
“C’mon, sweetheart,” Talon murmurs, leaning down and scooping her into his arms. “You ever ridden in a truck before?”
Lily shakes her head. “A truck?”
Talon smiles down at her. “You’re in for a treat.”
My heart swells.
It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
“Talon,” I whisper, as he carries Lily to the exit.
