NIXIE'S POV

Zyran let out a long, frustrated sigh and pulled his phone from his pocket.

"Marcus," Zyran said, anger tightening his voice. "Stand down and cancel the order."

"Sir?" Marcus replied, sounding confused. "We are there already, in fact, directly in front of him."

"I said stand down," Zyran growled. "Do not touch him, pull the men back."

Zyran hung up and looked at me.

"It’s done," he said quietly. "He’s free."

"Thank you," I whispered.

I forced a smile, bright and reassuring, but completely fake.

"Nixie, sit down," Rose said quickly, worry filling her eyes. "I’m getting the first-aid kit and you’re staying in our guest room today,...