Sapphire Princess

XI

ALEXANDER

Waking up from my strange supernatural sleep, I realize Elijah has brought me back to my bedroom. Shooting up, I observe around me, attempting to get a baring on my surroundings.

"You were out for almost thirty minutes," Elijah speaks up from next to me. He is seated in a chair he must have pulled up from across the room.

"I was with Hope," I reply, narrowing my eyes. I am still confused on what exactly happened. The best conclusion I could come to is the one I shared with Hope. It must have been some kind of personification of our bond.

"What? Is she okay?" He questions as he leans closer to me. I know that he cares for Hope and that he is worried for her, but I want to keep this to myself.

"Yes, she's okay. We didn't speak much, but the bond is restored," I tell him, swinging my legs over the side of my bed and standing up.

I didn't get nearly as many answers as I was hoping for. Her words still sting, echoing in my mind. She may never forgive me.

"And what about the hunter? Did she say anything about that?" My brother continues to interrogate me and it takes all my will not to roll my eyes. Doesn't he understand that I don't want to talk about it?

I shake my head. "No. She didn't say anything about it. I woke up sooner than I would have liked."

It is not a complete lie. I would have loved to spend more time with Hope, but I saw how bad she wanted to get out. With all the pain I've caused lately, the least I could do was give her that.

"Do you know where she is?" He asks again. This time I snap.

"No, Elijah. I told you, we didn't talk much. She is angry at me, and didn't wish to speak. I have nothing more to tell you!"

My brother draws back at my harsh words, stunned by my sudden change in attitude. I sigh and go to leave the room when Hope comes into my mind.

I can feel her, scared and desperate. It's enough to stop me dead in my tracks. Focusing, I bring myself to her mind.

Suddenly, I'm seeing through her eyes. My heart stops in my chest. She's tied to a chair, John standing in front of her. Cursing, I try to look for anything that could give away her location. Nothing.

Snapping back to my present, I turn towards Elijah, eyes wide.

"Hope is in trouble. John has her," I choke out as I attempt to keep my composure. This is all my fault.

"What?!" He exclaims, not fully understanding my words. I only nod my head in response, desperately trying to find a way to help her.

"Can you use your bond? To find her?" He asks frantically. I think for a moment before answering. I've only been able to track her once before, and it was not voluntary. I have no idea how to use the bond that way.

"I can most certainly try." Sitting back on my bed, I close my eyes and bring myself back to her. It pains me to see her trapped like this. Anger bubbles within me as I watch John deliver a hard slap to her face. I can almost feel the sting in my own cheek.

Focus, Alexander. Taking a deep breath, I reach out to her.

"Hope, tell me where you are," I speak softly, praying she'll reply. Seconds pass and I sigh in relief when I hear her voice.

"Casper Travel Agency."

I want to ask more, to make sure she's okay, but I know she has to keep her focus on surviving. It's my duty to get to her as fast as possible.