Sins of the Rebels (Lush Trans Series #1)

Chapter 54

WARNING: This chapter contains incidents involving kidnapping, violence, drugging, and murder. Reader discretion is advised.

Hermideo and I left the suite without even bothering to shower, we just quickly fixed ourselves up, tidying clothes and hair as best we could. The urgency of the situation loomed over us, making every second feel like it mattered. We exchanged a brief look, silently confirming that there was no time to waste. With a shared determination, we stepped into the hallway, ready to face whatever awaited us.

I know I told myself I needed to be strong, that I could handle this— but the thought of Lucio possibly hurting Eros made my resolve waver. Fear tightened in my chest, and my mind raced with worst-case scenarios. No matter how much I tried to brace myself, the thought of Eros in danger made it hard to keep it together.

I took a deep breath, trying to push the anxiety down. I had to stay focused. For Eros. For all of us.

Hermideo and I have each other, and together, we'll put an end to this. We'll make sure that Lucio's cruelty stops here. With every ounce of strength we have, we'll fight back against his schemes, determined to protect those we care about.

Whatever it takes, we won't let him keep hurting the people we love. This ends here and now. Together, we'll see it through to the end, no matter the cost. We're stronger united, and we'll face whatever lies ahead with unwavering resolve. Lucio's reign of cruelty stops with us.

I'm too late. My mind was so clouded that I couldn't think straight, couldn't figure out what to do first. All I knew was that I needed to talk to the Marasigans. They were the only ones who might understand the gravity of this situation, who might know how to help. Taking a shaky breath, I steadied myself, trying to push aside the panic. There was no room for hesitation now— I had to act, and I had to act fast.

I may have started this mess, but I didn't know a single thing about Lucio— his background, his past. I was too busy indulging in my own desires with Hermideo, too distracted by him to see what was right in front of me. But there's no turning back now, no use in placing blame. All I can do is face what's coming and try to make things right.

I just hope that Lucio wouldn't hurt Eros— he's completely innocent in this! He shouldn't involve others who have nothing to do with his vendetta. Even if Marasigan blood runs in Eros's veins, if Lucio was truly close to Eros's mother, the late wife of Governor Hermilando, as he claims, then he shouldn't harm her son. There's no justification for dragging Eros into this twisted feud.

I had expected challenges in my life, but out of all the hardships I've endured, this is the worst of the worst. Every struggle before now seems small in comparison to this nightmare. It feels like everything I've faced has led me here, to this moment, but nothing could have prepared me for just how devastating it would be.

My train of thought got cut off when Hermideo held my hand and squeezed it so tight. I turned my head to face him, our eyes locked. My throat ran dry as I read the emotions in his dark orbs. Fear, worry, and an urgency I couldn't quite place flickered beneath the surface.

I also felt how cold his palm was against mine. At sa mga oras na 'to, ramdam ko ang pagmamahal niya sa kaniyang nakakatandang kapatid na si Eros. It was a complex mix of emotions swirling between us— fear, urgency, and an unspoken bond forged through shared experiences.

As we reached the elevator, he hastily pressed the button. The sound of the elevator's chime echoed in the otherwise quiet hallway, and I could feel the tension radiating from him. His eyes darted around as if expecting someone to appear at any moment.

The doors slid open with a soft whoosh, and we stepped inside. Hermideo pressed the button for the ground floor, but he didn't relax until the doors closed. As the elevator began its descent, he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.