Not all paths lead to safety; some lead to the edge of death.
The explosion wasn't meant to kill. That understanding hit me even as the floor buckled and Darius's arms wrapped around me, his wolf-enhanced strength absorbing the impact as we fell through disintegrating concrete into the level below.
Killing us would've been easy. Shaped charges positioned to collapse the entire hallway, burying us under tons of rubble. But that wasn't Gideon's style. He wanted us alive. Wanted us trapped and vulnerable for whatever demonstration he'd planned.
We hit hard. Second floor, maybe. The landing drove the air from my lungs despite Darius's attempt to shield me. Around us, dust and debris created a choking cloud that made seeing impossible and breathing difficult.
Through the bond, his wolf was fully surfaced now. Not a choice anymore—pure survival instinct taking over as threats materialized from every direction.
"Status," I gasped, forcing myself upright despite protesting ribs.
