Chapter 6

Aldric's POV

“I said no. I said no. He didn’t care. You were right.”

“Okay.” I get on the bed with her and pull her into my arms. “You need to calm down for me. Breathe.”

“I can’t.” Her rage is quickly giving way to panic. “What did I do?”

“Nothing. He won't even remember this in the morning, but we’re going to leave. It's the only way you'll stay alive.”

“He’ll come looking for me.”

My brain is in overdrive, I need to get her out of here, and I need to do it safely. “No, he won’t. I’m just gonna go ahead and assume that you can handle a little pain.”

"Yes," she mutters.

She's starting to go limp in my arms. She's going into shock, and we're running out of time. I don't have time to be nice. “I’m really sorry about this.” I grab a handful of hair and yank it out.

Simone gasps, but otherwise doesn't show any outward signs of pain. I let her go and sprinkle the clumps of hair over the bed, then I reach into my jacket and pull out a pocket knife. “Hold out your hand.”

Why?”

“I’