Chapter 46

I tapped my fingers against the edge of the ceramic coffee cup, the warmth of it seeping into my skin but doing nothing to thaw the icy knot in my stomach. The café was quiet, save for the occasional clink of cutlery and murmured conversations. Jace sat across from me, his expression both worried and determined as he pushed the cup closer.

"You need to drink something, Ms Cleo," he urged gently. "You haven't eaten all day."

I shook my head, barely looking at him. "I can't, Jace. What do I think about food or coffee when Nicholas is sitting in a cell? Do you know what that feels like?"

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't argue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "I get it, look, I do. But you running yourself into the ground isn't going to help him. He needs you strong and focused, not running on fumes."

I stared at the steam rising from the cup. He wasn't wrong, but the thought of anything passing my lips made me feel sick. My mind was spinning, replaying the image of Nicholas being taken away in handcuffs. My chest tightened, and I clenched my fists, willing to keep it together.

"This has Alex written all over it," I said, my voice low but laced with venom. "He's been itching for a way to punish Nicholas, to keep us apart. And now he's found it."

Jace sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hate to say it, but you might be right. The timing is too convenient, with everything else going on. Your brother could be using this to get Nicholas out of the way. He knows how important you two are to each other."

"Exactly!" I leaned forward, the chair creaking beneath me. "He knows Nicholas is my anchor, my strength. He knows how much I rely on him. Taking him away is his way of trying to weaken me. But it won't work. I won't let it."

Jace watched me, his eyes steady but cautious. "So, what's the plan, now? Because charging in without thinking could make things worse."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to think through the haze of anger and fear. "Well first, we need to get him out of there. Nicholas doesn't belong in that cell. And I fear the longer he's in that cell he might get hurt. I don't want Alex to try anything. He's innocent, and I'll prove it. If Alex thinks he can pull this off and get away with it, he's in for a rude awakening."

"Are you sure you're ready for whatever blowback might come?" Jace's voice was careful, but there was an edge of concern in it. "From everything that has been happening, he  isn't exactly known for playing fair. He'll hit back harder if you push him."

"I don't care," I snapped, my voice trembling with barely contained rage. "I don't care what he does to me. He will not keep Nicholas away from me. He won't win, Jace. I'll see to that."

Jace's expression softened, and he nodded. "Alright, then. Whatever you need, I've got your back."

The knot in my stomach loosened slightly at his words. Having Jace by my side gave me a sliver of hope. But the fire burning in my chest was mine alone, and I would channel it into getting Nicholas out of that cell.

I looked down at the untouched coffee, finally wrapping my hands around the cup. Jace was right—I needed to keep my strength up. For Nicholas. For us. As I took a small sip, the bitter taste grounded me, sharpening my focus.

Alex might think he had the upper hand, but he had underestimated me. He had no idea what I was capable of when it came to protecting the people I loved. 

.........................

The clanging of iron gates echoed as I strode down the corridor of the prison. My heels clicked sharply against the concrete floor, the sound loud and jarring. The guards avoided my piercing gaze, their faces betraying their unease.

At last, I reached the visitation room. Nicholas sat behind a thick pane of glass, his once-pristine features marred by a fresh, jagged scar running from his forehead to his temple.

My heart clenched, though my expression remained cold. I grabbed the phone on my side of the glass and waited for him to do the same.

"Nicholas," I said, her voice low but brimming with fury. "Who did this to you?"

He hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced around, as though the walls themselves might betray him. Finally, he spoke. "Someone came at me last night in the yard. It wasn't random, Cleo. They meant to kill me. The way they attacked me, if the guards weren’t there and if I didn’t put up a fight I’ll probably be dead by now.” 

My fingers curled into a fist around the phone. "Do you know who?"

Nicholas shook his head, but his expression darkened. "No names, but I have my suspicions. This isn't just some prison scuffle. Someone out there doesn't want me walking free. And I think you know who that is.” 

My mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. I didn't need him to say it aloud— I already knew who was behind it. My  brother, Alex. The timing was too perfect, too deliberate. Alex had never hidden his disdain for Nicholas, and with Nicholas locked away, Alex stood to gain more control over everything. Besides, it was the only way he’d also get to ever hurt Nicholas. With Nicholas in prison, Alex probably felt he could get rid of him easily. 

"That snake," I hissed under my breath, my grip tightening on the phone. "Alex."

Nicholas's eyes flickered with agreement, though he remained silent.

I leaned closer to the glass, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "I'll make him pay for this, Nicholas. I swear it."

"Don't do anything reckless, Cleo," he warned, his voice strained but firm. "I can handle myself in here. Just keep your head and stay safe. I don’t want him to try anything with you.” 

I shook my head, my golden hair shimmering under the harsh fluorescent lights. "You don't get it. I can't lose you. Not to him, not to anyone." My voice cracked slightly, but I quickly steeled herself. "You stay strong. You hear me? I'll get you out of here. Whatever it takes."

Nicholas's lips quirked into a faint, almost rueful smile. "I don't doubt it. But promise me—promise me you won't do anything that puts you in danger."

My jaw clenched, but I nodded. "I'll be careful," I said, though the fire in my eyes betrayed my true intent.

Our time was up all too soon. As the guards moved to take Nicholas back to his cell, I pressed a hand to the glass, trying hard to stay strong. 

"I'll fix this," I said, my voice barely audible. "And when I do, Alex will regret ever crossing me."

Nicholas met my gaze, a flicker of hope rekindling in his tired eyes.

I turned on my heel and strode out of the prison, my mind already spinning with plans. If my brother thought he could undermine me, he was gravely mistaken.

He had taken the wrong move by going after Nicholas and now I had to show him the consequences of his actions.