Skulls and Bones

Chapter twenty one

I didn't waste time on the blackout or the panic rising in the ballroom. All I knew was that Zain needed me. Now. I could feel it as if he was right next to me begging for my help and I wasn't going to ignore his call.

So while the others wondered why the lights shut out, I started to push past Rick. But he had other plans and grabbed my hand.

"This could be an attack," he said. "You should stick by me no matter what."

My patience started to run thin as I stared at him. "I have to get to Zain," I said through clenched teeth.

"Why?" he asked curiously. I could barely make out his features through the darkness but I could tell that he wasn't happy that I was trying to leave him to find Zain. But Zain was the one that I fully trusted with my well being and I would leave anyone for him. He was the only one who was interested in me as a person and not just this power that I had. He was the only one who truly cared about me and was there for me. Now I had to be there for him.

But I couldn't tell Rick that. I couldn't let him know that I didn't trust him. Sure I felt something for him- something that was strong and hard to ignore- but I was still on guard. And even though his touch warmed my insides and introduced me to things that I haven't experienced, he still wanted to hurt me. I promised Cornelius that I would try to pretend and right now I had to try my hardest.

"He's not in here," I told him and I didn't have to pretend that I wasn't worried. "I'm afraid something happened to him and I want to make sure he's okay." I caught a glimpse of Rick's eyes as he hesitated but said nothing. I decided to continue. "He's my best friend and I'm just worried about him. You can still be by my side while I look for him. Do you know where his room is?"

Rick sighed. "Yeah," he said. "I know where it is." His hands snaked around my waist and I could see his wolfish grin. "Just so you know, I wasn't jealous. I was just curious as to what was bothering you. I heard that's what you do when you care about someone."

I couldn't stop a smile from appearing on my lips. "Is that so? I didn't think you knew a thing about caring about someone."

He chuckled. "Just thought I'd take a break from that asshole personality that you've heard so much about. Hazel doesn't give me enough credit." He pulled away and grabbed my hand. "Alright let's go before I take advantage of the dark."

Before we could even take a proper step, an inhuman screech echoed throughout the room. All talking stopped and everything became deathly quiet. I could feel Rick's hand tense in mine as if he was checking that I was still there. My blood ran cold as I came to a realization.

"He's coming for me," I whispered to myself. I was filled with panic as I realized I didn't even have the book yet and it only gave me more reason to get to Zain.

I ran forward, struggling to pull Rick with me until he got the message and started to run also. I didn't want to be alone knowing that Gabriel was somewhere in the castle waiting for me.

We exited the ballroom and Rick took the lead. The dress made it hard to run but I gave it my all. Rick checked around corners before he motioned me to follow. It reminded me of the time I followed him toward Gabriel's location and I risked my life to save him. I was so sure of my feelings that day for him and I thought that while he was cold and appear heartless that I would grow to love him. But I knew better now and I had to force myself not to think about it because Zain was in trouble.

I was suddenly pressed against the wall by Rick and his hand covered my mouth. I went into panic mode and thrashed against him but stopped when his breath was near my ear sending shivers through my spine.