I just need to get to them. Sang-Hyun growls as we come face to face, his expression twisting into one of unfettered rage, a crazed man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Fuck, here goes nothing. Pasting on a fake as hell grin, I poke the unruly bear.
“So you decided to come back for more? Having your ass beat last time wasn’t enough?”
Growling, he charges, diving forward, stabbing aimlessly toward any part of me he can reach. Crouching, I kick out my right leg in a wide arc, sweeping his feet out from under him. Sang-Hyun lands on his back with a loud oomph. Going for the knife on the counter, I stretch, brushing it with the tips of my fingers. The knife slips out of my bloody grasp, once, twice, three times before I finally have a firm hold. Swinging around, I come face to face with a sneering Sang-Hyun.
With the blade poised above his head, he slashes downward, aiming directly, for my chest. Raising my forearm I collide with his wrist in an effort to deflect his blow. Releasing the knife, I catch it with my left hand, swallowing the pain in my throbbing shoulder, plunging it to the hilt in his gut. Sang-Hyun falters, staggering back several steps. Following his movement, I twist the knife in his belly, digging it deeper.
A cry of pain saturates the air as he falls back on the counter, knocking several pans to the floor. Leisurely, I begin to pull the blade from his stomach. Sang-Hyun’s hand curls around my wrist, halting me midway.
“P-Please. H-Have mercy.” Blood spills from his lips onto his chin.
Have mercy? Like he had mercy on Kylee? What mercy was he planning on showing either of us? Wrenching the knife harshly from his gut, I smile, relishing his painful scream. A guttural roar builds in the back of my throat.
Leaning closer, my lips are just by his ear as I whisper, “I hope you’ve made your peace because this will be the last time you threaten my family.”
Slashing the blade deeply into his chest, our eyes collide. A faint smile curls the corners of his lips, blood coating his teeth as he clutches the nape of my neck with one hand, dragging me back down.
“I’ll see you in hell,” he rasps, cramming the center of his blade into my abdomen.
Releasing me with a gurgle, his breath hitches, his eyelids closing for the final time. Stammering back a few steps, white-hot pain lances through my midsection. Fire and ice tearing their way through my veins, wearing my muscles as dizziness begins to set in. A shocking gasp has me whirling around in fear—the fear of the unknown. God, please let this be over. I don’t have the strength to fight anyone else.
As I spin around, my eyes clash with Kylee’s, her worried expression morphing into one of terror as she no doubt takes in the knife protruding from my abdomen. Dizzying relief floods me, the fear receding with the realization that it’s over. My world begins to dissolve, dissipating as it fades to black.
“IT ENDS TONIGHT.”
Alex’s declaration breaches my subconscious, a ward taking up residence in my dreams, fending off my mother’s demon, the never-ending battle between mother and daughter quickening with Inna’s death. His essence tugs at me, enveloping me like a warm blanket. Luring me to join him. Swimming through the dark haze in my mind, I struggle, striving to reach him on the other side.
Eventually, the gravitational pull of the dream realm becomes too much to resist in my weary state. Every downward stroke becomes a laborious task, each muscle locking in place as they go taut with exhaustion. In some twisted version of a karmic joke, my eyes flutter behind my lids, half asleep and half awake. I’m stuck in that in between place, a place where you’re not dreaming but not fully conscious. That scary place where all of your wayward thoughts and demons drift to when you’re not looking. As I wander aimlessly around the vast emptiness in my subconscious, a dark tendril latches onto my ankles, dragging me down fast and furiously.
Terror grips me by the heart, wringing as my pulse careens out of control. Clawing at the nonexistent ground, I panic, a scream lodging in my airway.
Her ominous voice echoes around me, the grip tightening, hauling me deeper into the quickening pit of hell.
“You will never escape me, Ttal. We are forever bonded you and I.”
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
“Gah!” I gasp, jolting awake.
Clutching the sheet to my breast, I inhale deeply in through my nose and out through my mouth, a soothing action meant to calm my fears and chase away the lingering shadows of my dream. Unfortunately for me, it’s one that doesn’t work. Heaving an exasperated sigh, I slip out of bed in search of clothes.
“Ugh,” I groan as my feet touch the floor.
Little aches and pains make themselves known all over my battered body. Sucking in a hesitant breath, I lift my gaze to the mirror. An avalanche of pressure wells behind my eyes as I drink in my appearance. Cuts and bruises litter my body. But it’s not the splotches of black and blue or the pink lines decorating my flesh that bring out the emotion. It’s the fact that at some point during my restless night, Alex took the time to doctor each and every laceration. That even though my body is a gruesome sight, he lovingly cared for me regardless. As quickly as the thought enters my mind, it leaves. Where is Alex? My brows draw together with worry. Quickly dressing, I move to the door to search for him. Reaching for the handle, a pregnant pause ensues. Straining, I quirk my head to the side, listening for the sound again.
Thwack.
Was that . . . Did something crash to the floor? No, it couldn’t be, I scold myself.
Thwack.
There it is again. My stomach churns, bile rising as my heart jackknifes into my throat. Throwing the door open, I race down the hall toward the continuous sounds. Small tremors begin to rocket through my core, spiraling upward through my nervous system as I draw closer to the noise. The distinct sounds being produced are clearly that of a struggle. Rounding the corner, I come to a grinding halt in the entryway.
A screeching gasp whooshes from my sand-filled mouth at the grisly sight. Alex spins, narrowing his eyes until they pinch. Meeting my gaze head on, he exhales, his features softening with relief. Grunting, he blinks twice and sways, bringing my attention to the large knife protruding from his abdomen.
“Alex,” I whisper through hands now covering my mouth.
Violet eyes hold mine for several seconds before he tumbles to the floor.
“Alex!” I scream, racing toward him.
Leaping over Sang-Hyun’s body, I come to a screeching halt next to Alex. Dropping to my knees, I place my fingers on his carotid artery, searching for any signs of life.
“Please, God. Don’t let him be dead,” I whisper fervently.
The faint thump of a pulse drums against the tips of my fingers. Squeezing my eyes shut, I shudder, images of Noah running rampant through my mind. Noah fighting to save my life. Noah taking a bullet for me. Noah bleeding out in my arms.
“Oh my God, what have I done?”
The tears I’ve fought so hard to control break free, streaming down my face. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t come here in the first place, this wouldn’t be happening. Anger pelts me, blinding me with its intensity. Grasping the sides of Alex’s face, I shake him gently.
“Alex. Alex, please wake up. I can’t do this alone.” Movement behind his lashes gives me hope, forcing me to tap his cheek.
“Alex, baby, please open your eyes for me. Look at me, Alex. Come on.”
A sob catches in my throat as my chest heaves with tension. His lashes unfuse, opening with great effort.
“Oh, thank God,” I cry, kissing his temple.
“Kylee,” he rasps, his voice filled with pain.
Wiping my nose with the back of my hand, I move closer.
“I’m here, Alex. I’m going to get you help. Just stay with me, okay. Promise me you’ll hang in there.”
A sad smile crosses his beautiful face, tears welling in his violet eyes. “Kylee, I need you to do something for me, okay?”
“Anything.”
“Reach into my pocket and pull out
my cellphone. Hurry, do it now. I don’t know how much time we have.”
“Alex, don’t say that,” I plead.
“Kylee, hurry,” he repeats, his voice growing weaker.
Retrieving his phone as gently as I can, I look at him with pleading eyes. “O-Okay, I have it.”
“This is very important. I need you to send a text message to 33451. The message should read: It’s time to fly the coop.”
Frowning, I do as directed, sending the message. Placing the phone by my side, I lift his head, placing it on my lap, careful not to jostle him.
“Alex, I don’t understand. Who was that? I need to call U-Jin we have to get you to a hospital.”
“Don’t you worry about a thing, baby. Help is on the way. That was someone who will protect you, especially if I don’t make it.”
“Alex, no! You have to fight this. I’m not strong enough to do this on my own.” My chin quivers, trembling uncontrollably with the tears raining down my face.
“You’re stronger than you think, Goddess. Remember, no matter what happens, I love you always and forever. You’ll always find me in here.” With a pained expression, he reaches up, pressing a hand over my heart. Shaking uncontrollably, I reach for his hand as it slips away. Panic overtakes me, my gaze darting to Alex’s slack face.
“No!” I scream, grasping the sides of his face.
“Alex! Please, I’m begging you. Don’t you dare leave me.”
My stomach tenses, the knot growing with each passing moment. As my sickness grows, my thoughts spin inward, my mother’s image entering my mind, her voice breaking through the grief.
It is best this way, Ttal. That is the way of a Sun-ye. The road traveled is long and lonely but it is worth it in the end. It is something every Sun-ye has learned for generations. This is your destiny. Do not fight it.
In my mind, I can see the image clearly. Bound to a chair, I’m helpless as she stalks the room, a satisfied smirk curling her lip. No, I shake my head. No more. No longer will I remain helpless to her. It’s time I break the binds tying me to this retched place, tying me to her.
Snapping the loose binds holding my hands, I free my ankles. Jackknifing to my feet, my stance widens as she prowls toward me.
“What are you doing?” she demands.
“Doing something I should have done a long time ago.”
“And what is that?”
“Getting rid of you,” I state.
Her gaze narrows, her mouth floundering open then closed. “Y-You can’t do that. You need me,” she stammers.
“No, mother, I don’t. The truth is, I never did, and that’s why you’ve fought so hard to turn me into something I’m not. Well, enough is enough. I forgive you, but it’s time for you to move on.” Her eyes grow wide, her jaw clenching with determination. “You can’t get rid of me that easily,” she threatens.
“The hell I can’t,” I say, picking up the chair I just vacated.
“You forget, you’re in my head.” Swinging the chair wildly, I take aim, raising her arms in defense as she tries to deflect the blow careening toward her. The chair smashes into her chest, shattering her into millions of pieces before blowing away like ash in the wind.
Immediately, I’m brought back to the present, my eyes stinging as I stare at Alex’s still body. Letting out a whimper, my shoulders slump forward.
“Alex, can you hear me?” I ask quietly.
Salty tears blur my vision, making it difficult to see his face. Hanging my head, my breath hitches, my lungs constrict, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
“Alex, you can’t join the angels. Y-You have to stay.” My voice wavers, emotion clogging my throat.
“P-Please, baby, listen to me. You saved me. Saved me from the monster I was becoming. I don’t want to be lost in a sea of darkness again. You’re the only one who can help me see the light. Please fight, baby. Don’t go.”
Clutching his face, I place gentle kisses on his cheeks.
“I love you,” I breathe out through the unstoppable tears.
A massive hand touches my shoulder, squeezing gently. Gasping, I peer up at the intruder from beneath my lashes. A fresh round of tears wells, flowing down my cheeks as I look into the understanding gaze of my father.
“Daddy.” His name is a broken whisper.
“Princess,” he chokes out, his own voice brimming with emotion.
“Daddy, please don’t let them take him away,” I beg, my voice quivering with fear. Sucking in a pained breath, his eyes water.
“Princess, I will try, but you know I can’t make you a promise like that.” Bending down, he tries to pry my hands from Alex’s face.
“No!” I scream. My father winces.
“Kylee, let go,” Brighton says, his arms circling around me as he slides me out from under Alex. The moment I’m free, Sam replaces me, hovering over Alex.
“Brighton, no. I can’t let him go. I have to touch him. He . . .he saved me.” My voice cracks, forcing me to swallow hard.
“I know, baby. I know.”
Tangling me in his embrace, he drags me into the hardline of his chest. Lowering my head, I inhale deeply, sucking in a harsh breath, taking in the smell of Brighton’s vest, allowing it to calm some of my nerves.
Sam’s broken voice has me clenching my fingers onto Brighton’s forearms. Whirling around, I face Sam as he barks, “We have to move now. I’m losing him.”
The color leeches from my world, my knees buckling as I sag in Brighton’s arms. Loud wails infuse the air as I cry harder than ever before into his chest. Swinging me up into his arms, Brighton cradles me close as he rushes me out of the house. Turning to face his vest, my softly spoken promise fades into his chest.
“Alex, I swear, if you can’t stay, I’ll fly away with you. I promise I will see you on the other side.”
Brighton stiffens underneath my weight, his pained whisper uttered only for me to hear. “Please don’t, baby girl. I don’t think I could live through that again.”
Unwilling to make him any promises, I snuggle closer, hugging his chest, offering him the only comfort I can. A brief moment in time where I can ease some of his pain, sharing his sorrow. Regret weighs heavily on my heart as the past comes back to haunt me. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I will see him in another life because I’m sure heaven is one place I will never see. And I’m certain that Alex is destined for that golden palace in the sky.
“TRY NOT TO WORRY. HE will wake up when the time is right.”
An unfamiliar man’s voice drifts through my ears.
“What makes you so sure he will wake up?” Kylee challenges.
Her voice floats over me, creating a blanket of warmth. The soothing sensation quells my trepidation, luring me further into the darkness I’m fighting so hard to resist.
“I understand your concern, Ms. Parker, but you must realize that Captain Grant has sustained life-threatening injuries. And while they’ve been repaired, his body is still healing. In cases like this, it is common for patients to sleep longer. It’s the body’s way of mending itself.”
“Yes, but it’s been two weeks already. How much longer is it going to be?” My eyes twitch behind closed lids. The concern etching her tone calls me to the surface. Wrestling with my body, I grapple, struggling to open my eyes. Yet, no matter how hard I fight, they refuse to budge, remaining sealed shut. Bits and pieces of the conversation quietly register, forcing me to strain, listening for her voice.
“. . . That depends on Captain Grant. He is a healthy young man in the prime of his life. He will wake up when he is ready. My suggestion, continue talking to him. Let him know you’re here for him. He can hear you, and it will give him something to fight for. The odds are always better when a patient has something to come back to.”
“You are not going to give me a satisfactory answer. I can see that now,” Kylee grumbles, irritation lacing her tone.
“Kylee, the doctor is just doing his job,” another male voice interjects.
My struggle ceases as quickly as it began. The need to hear her voice temporarily overrides the desire to break my invisible bonds.
“I know. Thank you for your help,” Kylee begrudgingly mumbles.
“You’re welcome; please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything. I will be back later to check on him again.” The voice fades before a door closes in the distance.
“He will be fine, gongjunim. Alex is strong,” the man whispers.
“I know, Uncle. It’s just difficult not being able to see for myself. I need him to open his eyes and speak to me.” Her voice breaks, cracking on her last few words.
Kylee’s suffering torments me, her pain becoming my own as I remain chained to a drug-induced slumber, unable to comfort the woman I love. The vast ache in my breast lessens, momentarily forgotten when her words replay in my head. She said uncle. Her uncle is with her? Which one?
Why? How? Terror and rage combine, mixing into a potent cocktail as they infuse my veins with their deadly venom. Resuming my previous attempt to break the chains that bind me to the abyss, I toil, wrestling internally, reaching for the switch that will throw my lids open. Failing to sever the link binding me to the darkness, I find myself no longer able to resist as I am hauled deeper into the trenches, floating, adrift in a sea of murky blackness.
“If you were wise, you’d stop struggling for a bit and relax. But we both know that’s a tall order for you to fill.”
Astounded, confused, and elated, I whirl around, coming face to face with jovial green eyes and a shit-eating grin. No, it can’t be. Canting my head to the side, I blink several times.
“Go ahead, get your fill, big guy. You know you like what you see,” Noah quips.
Royal Blood Page 24