“I’m sorry, but I must cauterize your wound or you will bleed out. I’m begging you. When the pain hits, do not fight the urge to pass out.”

She went quiet, tears pouring down her cheeks.

Hating himself, Bane used his free hand to rip off her ruined top. His stomach rebelled at the sight of her crimson-streaked pale skin.

He was responsible for this. She’d placed her life in his hands, and he’d failed to protect her. She should hate him, too. By the time he finished patching her up, she just might.

I’d rather she live hating me, than die thanking me. “I’m sorry,” he repeated. Out of options, he tilted his head, letting the beast spit fire into his throat.

“Please.” She planted her feet on the ground and tried to scoot her entire body away from Bane, but as weak as she was, she only moved an inch, and it clearly agonized her. “Don’t—”

Hardening his heart, he leaned down and blew into her wound. Crackling embers poured from his mouth, spilling over torn muscle and flesh. One of her bra straps got charred. She bowed her back again and unleashed another scream. A real glass-shatterer.

Her voice broke. She moaned and sagged against the ground. Even now, she remained awake, all quiet strength and courageous heart.

He readjusted the backpacks and opened a portal to the road they’d previously exited, then gathered Nola close. A storm brewed, the air damp. Thunder boomed in the distance, lightning splitting the black sky.

With a reedy tone, she asked, “How did the combatants pinpoint our location?”

“I don’t know, but I will find out after I’ve secured another conveyance.”

He flagged down a vehicle and forcibly removed the owner. Utilizing the skills he’d picked up by watching Nola, he drove. Poorly, yes, but well enough to ditch their current location.

He cast her a glance, relieved to see her injuries had begun to heal supernaturally. Perfect timing. The sky opened up and hammered the land with punishing rain.