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Blaire’s legs gave out, and Aiden clutched her to his body in support as she began to breathe quickly and deeply, growing lightheaded.
Caleb groaned on the ground and Lukas lifted him, but Caleb wasn’t able to stand on his own anymore. Lukas was drawing out his torture. He didn’t look like he was enjoying it, but he could have long since ended this. She sensed he wanted Caleb to suffer. Lukas forced him back against the wall and Caleb spit out a tooth as he wheezed, trying to take in air but having difficulty. One arm hung limply at his side, useless. Lukas wrapped his hand around Caleb’s throat and squeezed, making his eyes bulge as he gasped for air that Lukas denied him.
“I promised… that I would… kill you…” Lukas seethed, his voice vibrating with his rage. He sounded as if he’d swallowed glass.
Blaire knew it was going to happen, and while everything in her screamed to look away, she couldn’t force herself to look away from her tormentor as he stood on the edge of his end.
Lukas snarled and moved his hand in preparation for the final move, and Caleb blubbered, barely able to form words as he struggled to breathe.
“What… are… you?” he rasped, coughing up blood.
Blaire looked away from the broken man to Lukas. His fangs had descended, and his eyes glowed a bright green that reminded her of bioluminescent seas.
“Nothing you will live long enough to worry about.” Lukas snarled and lunged for Caleb’s throat, mouth wide.
Caleb screamed in terror as Blaire turned away, unable to watch the final act.
“What the fuck?” Lukas bellowed from further away.
Blaire looked back to find him being held by several members dressed like Blackthorn Academy security, two others holding Caleb against the wall unconscious.
Professor Velastra stepped from the shadows of the alley and took in the scene, frowning at Lukas, who struggled against the guards.
“What’s going on?” Aiden asked as the others finally drew closer.
“Lukas Virtanen, control yourself at once,” the professor snapped. Her voice was cold as ice, in control. “You were mere seconds away from committing an act that would have you exiled to Cresbel Asylum.”
Blaire looked up at Aiden in confusion and he leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Those who commit crimes in the Vasirian world, like killing humans, are sent there as punishment. Like your prisons… but worse.”
“But he needs to die for what he’s done!” Lukas snapped.
The professor walked over to Caleb, who hung limply in the large arms of their security team.
“He’s not dead. Yet. But you need to get a hold of yourself, Lukas. If you are sent away, who will look at for Blaire against…” She looked around at the security team. “Other threats.”
Lukas stiffened and looked at Blaire in Aiden’s arms. The anger still burned in his eyes, but the glow had become less consuming.
“I hear sirens!” Seth shouted as he glanced down the alley.
Kai followed his line of sight. “Someone likely heard the commotion and called the cops.”
“The police are coming,” the professor said. “When the staff informed us of what was happening here, they noted that someone saw Blaire being dragged out the back door in tears and reported a domestic situation.”
She looked at everyone gathered in the alley. “Get back to the academy, and we will handle cleaning up this mess.”
“What do you mean? What are you going to do?” Aiden asked.
“He knows too much. Lukas, in his loss of control, exposed our secret. He can’t be let go like this… Furthermore, his condition is critical.”
“What’s going to happen to him?” Mera asked the question likely on everyone’s mind.
“His mind must be dealt with. That said, to ensure no further complications like this happen again, we will handle the situation regarding Miss Wilcox.”
Lukas growled.
“Blaire,” she corrected in exasperation. “Lukas, you need to calm down and focus on protecting your pair.”
“I’ll take care of Lukas,” Aiden whispered, looking down at Blaire as he wiped tears from her cheeks with his thumbs before gently passing her over to Mera and Riley, who wrapped their arms around her.
