ast lock opening echoed in the

eration. Echo was nearly knocked off her feet, but Ryan's eyes flashed with a dead

shook the ground, with flames roaring out of the hotel doors, reducing everything in front of it to a

fully curled up in Ryan's arms, burying her head

rdered as soon

embers immediatel

ony expression, held Echo tightly as they got in

out being told, stayed behind to clean up. No one who

t feel a thrill. It had been so close-too close. That kind of life-or-death danger wasn't something she wanted to repeat. It was only he

d?" Echo asked, glancing up at Ryan's s

er mind just moments ago, but now seemed to be perking

ruby pendant from you. How about we call it even for saving yo

nt before responding coldly, "As a servant

kidding me," Echo's ey

of the Dark family, no one had ever dared look

ng look. "I haven't even punished you for

confessed. If she hadn't planned to leave, she

n't someone she c

ided nearly getting herself killed. She felt like she'd lived her years in vai

ain. Otherwise, you'll regret ever being born." Ryan's v

od how terrifying that was. He knew she was about to make a mistake, but he let her. He'd just been waiting for he

wasn't as cruel as people said, but he was worse. He wasn't sparing her out o

, truly

ep. She needed to rest, gather her strength, and then plan the sharpest, most decisive strike to end this once and

t a moment ago, but now had closed her eyes and fa

ple; they were the ones worthy of standing

voice cold and emotionless. "I don't want

ith two "gifts" as soon as

n the favo

Cobra immedi

ose present weren't directly involved, they were still guilty. As leaders in the Sout

quickly leaving the city behind

frowned and opened her eyes, realizing sh

ike she'd been crushed under something heavy.

ated shushing ges

signaled her to be quiet and stay still. He seemed a bit surpri

ng a glance at the weight on her shoulder. Unb

he had to admit, she was impressed. B

Even though it was just his head resting on her shoulder, it was anything but light. Echo roll

a villa. Guards were stationed all around, with Hawk and another unfamili

le team guarding the car while the boss took a

her stomach, Echo couldn't take it anymore. She was just about to turn and wake Ryan when he suddenly l

o sleep," Echo blurted

ep? It didn't make sen

pectfully as soon as h

shoulder and scowling. He looked out the window

s too hungry to care. No matter what was going on, hunger was

, Echo realized she mi

e picky and would just eat whatever was offered. After all, Ryan hadn't even mentioned food. Ugh, she s

magic, whipping up every dish she had listed in just a few minut

our reward

h a blank expression. She couldn't help but feel a bit of despai

muttered, "Wh

, and started eating quickly. If there was food, she might as well eat it. A reward was better than noth

lse's roof, she had

the atmosphere was nothing but serious, serious, and

sness was his problem; her enjoyment of the meal was hers. So, the table became a strange mix of cold wi

y. It had been the most intense day of her life,

p," he said, toss

the doorway, looking at Ryan, who was sitting in the m

't this room supposed to

id, raising an eyebrow when she rea