Tears of salvation (Underworld Kings)

She smiles up at me as we walk toward the front of the castle. “Can’t wait.”

As my people gather at the entrance, I take in the wounded and the losses we’ve suffered.

Damien supports Winter while Carson helps Lucian, who seems to have taken a bullet in the leg.

Semion’s standing by Lev’s body, and I shake my head, feeling the loss deeply. I glance at Demitri. “Help Semion with Lev’s remains.”

Even though most of us are injured, we move as fast as possible to get to the vehicles.

Demitri has to drive because my left arm and chest are fucked. As he steers us away from St. Monarch’s, I rest my head back against the seat and close my eyes.

Thank God Madame Keller wasn’t there.

Thank God.

I’ll have to face her at some point, but not today.

“Where else are you hurt?” Isabella asks.

“Sounds like broken ribs,” Demitri mutters. “And a gash to his right thigh.”

I let out a tired chuckle. “Not bad for a day’s work.”

“Only you’d say that,” Isabella huffs from behind me.

When we reach the building we’re operating from, it’s clear everyone’s exhausted and hurting.

I should’ve brought Dr. Oberio, but at least Demitri has medical experience.

Turning to Demitri, I say, “Take care of the other’s bullet wounds first.”

His eyes settle on my left arm. “And yours?”

“I’ll dig it out myself.”

“Like hell,” Isabella mutters. “I’ll do it.”

The corner of Demitri’s mouth lifts. “Good luck.”

As Demitri walks away to tend to the wounded, Isabella asks, “Was that meant for me or you?”

“Me. I’ve seen what it looks like after you’ve removed a bullet,” I joke.

She slants her eyes at me. “One more comment like that, and I won’t give you painkillers.”

Not caring about the blood, I lift my right hand to her neck, and then I stare at her. “You were amazing, reckless, but amazing.”

Taking hold of my hand, she leads me to a chair and table. “Sit.”

My eyes settle on the woman I love as she begins to remove the strap around my palm.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Better than you,” she says, her focus on the cuts.

“I meant, are you okay after killing Sonia?”

Isabella lifts her eyes to mine. “There was only hate between her and me. I don’t feel anything but relief.”

My lips tug up into a smile. “Thank you.”

A slight frown forms between her eyes. “For?”

“Saving my life.” It’s proven to me Isabella is one hundred percent mine.

I can trust her.

With her gaze on mine, she smiles at me. “Of course. If anyone’s going to kill you, it will be me and on my terms.”

“You love me too much,” I tease her.

“Lucky for you.”