I brought a guard with me this time—one of the newer ones, nervous and green, the kind who wouldn't question too much if I said I was here to check on the merchandise. The facility had grown quieter since the last banquet. People were keeping their heads down. That worked to my advantage.
We turned down the hall toward the medical wing. The lights buzzed faintly overhead, and the scent of antiseptic lingered like rot beneath perfume.
The guard stayed by the door when I waved him off. "Just give me a few minutes," I said. "He responds better when it's quiet."
He nodded and didn't make eye contact. Good.
Nine sat where he always did now—knees drawn in, back against the wall, body too still. But when I entered, his head lifted. Not all the way. Just enough that I saw the spark of recognition in his eyes.
He didn't speak.
But the bond trembled to life.
Alpha?
I crouched beside him, slowly, palms open. "Hey," I murmured. "Just me."
His gaze flicked toward the door. Then back to me.
He didn't hurt me today.
I swallowed. Good.
I reached out, brushing his hair gently back. It was clean at least. Someone had washed it. A mercy, maybe. Or a performance.
"I need to tell you something," I said, voice low. "We don't have much time."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"There's a banquet in two days," I said. "The last one. After that, everything changes."
A slow blink. He didn't ask what I meant. But the bond stirred again, hesitant.
You're going to do something.
I nodded.
"You'll be safe," I promised. "Kade will come for you during the chaos. You'll be taken somewhere secure with the others."
His hands clenched in his lap.
You're staying.
I hesitated.
Then: "Yes."
Why?
"Because someone has to give the order."
His breath trembled. Just barely. But I caught it.
"Listen to me," I said, leaning closer. "I need you to be careful. If anything seems wrong, if something feels off—hide. Don't try to be brave. Just hide."
I want to stay with you.
"I know," I whispered. "But not this time. You have to survive this, Nine."
A long silence. Then:
What happens after?
I didn't know how to answer that.
So I just touched his cheek. "We'll figure it out."
I trust you.
His voice in the bond was soft. Quiet. But sure.
I stood, heart tight in my chest. "Then hold on for two more days."
As I turned to leave, I felt him press back into the bond, not words this time, just warmth. Steady. Real.
I looked once over my shoulder—his violet eyes watching me like I was already fading.
Then I slipped out the door.