Chapter 372

A thin sliver of sunlight crept through the barred window of the cramped cell.

Evelyn Carter sat slumped at the edge of the narrow cot, her fingers tightly entwined with Liam Blackwood's limp hand. Exhaustion had finally claimed her, pulling her into a restless sleep.

The golden light painted her delicate features, casting a fragile warmth around her motionless form.

Liam's eyelids fluttered open, his body aching with every shallow breath. His gaze traveled across the cracked ceiling before taking in their bleak surroundings. A bitter taste filled his mouth. After cheating death itself, he'd been dragged back to this hellish prison.

Then he felt it - the gentle pressure of Evelyn's hand clutching his. His entire body tensed when he saw her curled beside him. This was his worst nightmare come true. He'd rather die a thousand deaths than have her trapped in the Obsidian Circle's stronghold.

With a pained groan, Liam tried to sit up, praying this was just another fever dream.

The movement startled Evelyn awake. Her eyes widened when she saw him conscious. "Liam!" She scrambled up, pressing a cool hand to his forehead. "Thank God you're awake."

Reality crashed over him. His fingers closed around her wrist like a vice. "What the hell are you doing here?" His voice came out rougher than intended.

Evelyn ignored his question, concern etching her features. "You've been out for two days. How are you feeling?"

Every muscle screamed in protest as Liam forced himself upright. "Answer me, Evelyn. Why are you here?"

She bit her lip, hesitation flashing across her face.

A storm of emotions raged within Liam - anger, fear, and overwhelming protectiveness. The thought of Evelyn in the lion's den made his blood run cold. "Have you lost your damn mind?" he roared.

Tears welled in Evelyn's eyes at his outburst. The raw fury in his voice shook her to the core.

"Yes!" she fired back, her voice breaking. "I lost it when I thought you were dying! If I hadn't come, you'd be dead right now!"

Liam's chest heaved with ragged breaths. "I'd rather be dead than have you risk your life for me."

The words hung between them like a physical blow. Evelyn's tears spilled over as she released his hand and turned toward the heavy iron door.

But escape wasn't an option. Guards stood watch outside. She could only press her forehead against the cold metal, silently wiping her cheeks.

She understood his anger stemmed from fear for her safety. Yet the harsh words still cut deep.

A sudden thud shattered the tense silence. Evelyn whirled around to see Liam collapsing onto the concrete floor.

All anger forgotten, she rushed back to his side. "Liam!"

As she reached for him, strong arms yanked her into a crushing embrace. Liam buried his face in the crook of her neck, his entire body trembling.

"Nate?" she whispered, using his childhood nickname.

"I'm sorry," he choked out, his voice raw with emotion. "God, I'm so sorry, Cass." The pet name slipped out unbidden, his arms tightening around her.

Evelyn stroked his back soothingly. "It's okay," she murmured. The fight drained from her as quickly as it had come.

She helped him back onto the cot, tucking the thin blanket around his shaking form.

When they'd both calmed, Liam fixed her with an intense stare. "How did you even get in here? Are you alone?"

Evelyn nodded. "I told them I had information about Cassandra Wright's whereabouts... and offered them a sample of hydronium as proof."