Chapter 41: Kidnapped

Sage's POV

After tearing open the portal, I sprinted blindly away from the source of my anguish. Hermes' betrayal cut me to the core. I needed time alone to process the heartbreak.

How could he claim an emergency, only to embrace another woman right in front of me? It made no sense unless he'd been dishonest all along. The very thought made bile rise in my throat.

Lost in my rumination, I was startled by shouting up ahead. Squinting against the setting sun, I could make out figures approaching. Men decked out in tactical gear, accompanied by a woman.

"You, stop right there!" one barked, breaking into a run.

My eyes widened in alarm and I veered off the path, scrambling for cover in the thick underbrush.

The woman's voice rang out sharply. "After her! Don't let her escape, or the boss will have your heads!"

Judging from their numbers and weapons, fighting would be unwise. I curled into a ball within the concealing bushes, heart pounding against my ribs.

The group fanned out, searchi