Out of Oblivion

Chapter 37

I let my neck roll to the side so that the rest of my body remained still. I looked into the stormy eyes of the one who had rescued me from my bitterness, saved my life, and stolen my heart.

            A smile broke across my face. I tried to say his name, but only a light groan came out. The wound across his eyebrow had reopened and his throat was scarred with a mean burn.

            I watched as he thrust all the strength of his metal arm into the lock to my cell. The gate rattled and James swung the door opened.

            He rushed in and bent down in front of me, his real hand cupping my face. “I was afraid you were dead…” he muttered. My gaze met his. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. The shock and relief of seeing him left me speechless.

            He took my hand and I squeezed his as he pried off the chains with his metal hand. I breathed a sigh of relief as the air brushed over the bleeding rashes.

            I kept my eyes on him as he gently lifted me in his arms. Every muscle in my body flinched and a sharp pain stung me. I winced and groaned, tightening my grip on James’ shoulder.

            “I know it hurts, sweetheart. Just a little while longer,” James promised, carrying me out of the palace.

            I wanted to tell him so badly in that moment. I pushed from my stomach, trying to get the words out. “James…I…”

            “Shh…we’re almost there.”

            I fell silent and rested my head against his chest. My eyes flickered until I gave up and kept them shut. The icy air washed over me. I supposed that we had exited the black gate. I shivered, which loosened my muscles in a painful way.

            I heard the loud whirring of a giant machine and a wind like a gale swept over me. James’ footsteps slowed and I felt him leaning forward, the ground beneath us inclining.

            When the ground flattened, the gale ceased and the whirring quieted. Voices hummed around me. One voice in particular made my eyes dart open. I seemed to be back in the hub of a spaceship, but instead of Jotunhiem, the SHIELD insignia flashed in my eyes.

            “James…let me stand…” I sputtered, gaining my voice back.

            Carefully, he placed my feet on the floor, keeping his metal arm resting on my back. Every muscle ached and stung as I moved, but I didn’t care.

            I stepped forward and the ground wiggled in my vision and my sense of direction scattered. I fell forward, caught by a girl who rushed to help me. I looked up into two emerald eyes and a bright smile. Grace.