Chapter 29: Let's Exit Dust Haven.

The sound of the shattering window and Ava’s brutal fall didn’t go unnoticed. As Talon helped Ava as she was staggered to her feet, her breaths came in harsh gasps, the pain from her side sharpening with each move. Voices began to echo down the narrow street, shadows shifting as people moved closer, drawn by the commotion. Blood seeped from a blade embedded deep in her side, and she fought to stay upright, defiant despite the agony.

“Oh my God,” Callie gasped, rushing over to Ava, her face pale as her hand instinctively reached for the hilt of the blade.

Ava’s hand shot out, gripping Callie’s wrist, stopping her. “No—leave it,” she rasped. “You’ll make it worse. Just help me up.”

Callie nodded, sliding her arm around Ava to support her as they staggered forward, each step a painful effort. As they moved through the alleys, Lydia’s girl appeared around a corner, her eyes wide with urgency.

“Lydia said you’d get into trouble. Follow me,” she whispered, casting quick glances over her shoulder at the gathering crowd in the street.

With the girl leading the way, they pushed forward, navigating the winding streets until they reached Lydia, who was waiting in a shadowed alley. Lydia’s gaze softened as she saw Selene, and she pulled her into a tight embrace, her voice thick with emotion.

“Can you believe your boy is here?” she murmured, glancing at Talon. “Look at him.”

Selene’s eyes filled with tears, disbelief mixed with a cautious hope. “Is it really… is it my Talon, Lydia? Is he free?”

Lydia nodded, gripping her friend’s hands tightly. “You’re both free now. Go, follow my girls. There’s a boat waiting, but…” She paused, her expression turning grim. “I could only get three places, I'm so sorry.”

Talon’s eyes locked on Ava, his determination unwavering. “I’m not leaving her here. Not after everything.”

Ava, braced against Callie, straightened up, her voice strong despite the pain. “Get them out. I’ll meet up with you later.”

“No!” Callie’s voice broke, her fear evident. “I’m not leaving you, Ava.”

Ava met her gaze, fierce but gentle. “Go now, don't argue Callie. Follow Talon.” Her voice softened, the urgency cutting through the pain. “Please. Get them to safety. I’ll find my way out.”

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Go!” Lydia’s voice was firm, nodding toward her girls. “There isn’t much time. If you’re going to get out, it has to be now.”

Talon approached Ava, pressing his forehead to hers, a wordless exchange passing between them. He didn’t need to say anything; she knew. He gave a final, lingering look, then turned, leading Selene and Callie toward the waiting boat.

As their footsteps faded, Ava leaned heavily against the wall, her strength waning, but her defiance still burning bright. Lydia watched her, her expression shifting to something calculating and sharp.

“So, the bounty on the Blonde Death herself,” Lydia mused, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. “That could pay me handsomely for the trouble you caused.”

Ava let out a dry laugh despite the pain. “So you think you can claim it?” she said, amusement flickering in her eyes.

Lydia’s gaze held steady, her smile cold. “And you think you could stop me?”

Ava chuckled again, though each laugh sent fresh waves of pain through her. “I’m just catching my breath, Lydia. I don’t need to be at a hundred percent to kill you.”

The silence that followed was thick, charged with an understanding that ran deeper than any threat. Finally, Lydia nodded, a touch of admiration in her eyes. “That’s what I believe about you. No matter how battered, you’d still be the last one standing.”

Ava grinned faintly, her tone turning lighter. “I actually like you, Lydia. It’d be a shame to have to kill you.”

Lydia returned the smile, a glint of respect in her gaze. “And you don’t make it easy to dislike you, Ava. Your bike’s in the next street.” She stepped back, gesturing toward the shadows. “I’ll give you that chance to escape. Make it count.”

Ava reached out, and they shook hands, each acknowledging the other with a firm grip. “Thank you,” Ava said, her voice low but genuine.

Lydia nodded, her face softening as she watched her. “Good luck, Ava. Look after them—Talon, Selene, and that young girl, too. They’ll need you.”

With a silent nod of agreement, Ava released Lydia’s hand, the words between them unspoken but understood. Bloodied and bruised, Ava turned and made her way to the next street. She staggered slightly, but when she saw her bike, a faint smile flickered across her face. Her fingers brushed the handlebars, steadying herself as she climbed on, her vision wavering but her will unbreakable.

With a final look back, she kicked the engine to life, the roar cutting through the night. And as she sped away from Dust Haven, leaving its twisted alleys and blood-soaked streets behind, Ava rode into the darkness, determined to survive and reunite with those who mattered most.

---

As Talon, Selene, and Callie boarded the boat, Callie looked back, worry etched across her face. “Will Ava be okay?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Talon, his face set with determination, tried to reassure her. “She’s tough, Callie. She’s gotten out of worse. Don’t worry.”

But as the boat pushed off from the shore, Talon’s mind remained clouded with concern. He had his mother back—a part of him he’d thought lost forever. But another part of him, Ava, was now in the wind, her fate uncertain. As the dark waters stretched out before them, Talon could only hope she was out there, still fighting, still finding her way back to them.