Page 7 of Us Defiant Few

Must’ve been caveman speak for “follow me.”

Khalani, Winnie, and Serene trailed behind, keeping their heads down as Jack, Spade, and Raziel stayed back with Ryder.

“When will Lane arrive?” Jack asked.

“Tomorrow morning,” Raziel responded gruffly.

“Don’t worry, Raz.” Spade spoke in a calm voice. “Ryder’s tough. He’s dealt with worse.”

But just before Khalani disappeared from earshot, she caught Jack’s low murmur. “Once he takes care of Ryder, we’ll have Lane assess him. And then we’ll decide what to do next.”

Khalani’s frown deepened as she walked down the narrow hallway. Bakarra led Elise inside a sparse room that housed a twin bed and a hanging lamp. A lone tear dribbled down Elise’s chin before she shut the door without a word.

Khalani’s chest tightened as Bakarra gestured for them to enter the next room, but she pressed on after Jericho. The lingering fear and fury were palpable. The twisted emotions crawled along her skin. Permeated the stone walls.

Revenge was on the horizon. She could sense it.

The Aces would not let this treachery go unpunished. Khalani just needed to ensure Takeshi wasn’t on the receiving end of their retribution.

At the end of the corridor, Jericho pulled out a rusted key and creaked the final door open. Khalani’s eyes widened.

There was no bed.

No sink or windows.

Just a single bulb dangled from the ceiling, offering only a tiny modicum of light in the cold room. But what caught her attention were the thick chains hanging on the stone wall.

This place was no bedroom.

It was a prison.

“Bring him,” Jericho ordered.

“What are you doing?” she exclaimed when he clamped the thick cuffs around Takeshi’s wrists.

“He’ll remain in holding until we question him,” he curtly responded.

“But—”

“Khalani.” Winnie placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Let them help. It’s what he needs.”

“But what if it makes him worse?” Khalani’s chin trembled.

She’d been operating off the assumption that his memory loss was temporary. Something that would fade once he talked to Khalani and realized who she was.

But if he woke up in chains, it might have the opposite effect. The distance between them might lengthen, stretching farther and farther, until Takeshi was completely out of reach.

“We won’t let that happen. Not to him.” The resounding statement came from Serene. “We traveled to this city together, and we’re going to leave the same way. We all know he means more to you, but he still matters to us too. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”

The knot in Khalani’s throat tightened at Serene’s words.

But it wasn’t just Serene staring at her with love and devotion. When she looked around, the same dedication poured from Winnie and Adan. Not even Brock left her side.

A clamor tore her attention as Jericho finished chaining Takeshi. He sat slumped against the wall, arms pulled above him by the manacles.

“Let’s go,” Jericho grunted. “I’ll show you to your quarters.”

The others began to file out, but Khalani didn’t move.