#Chapter 62: Trapped

ELENA The door creaked open, and I nearly choked on the fear that rose in my throat. I didn’t move from where I stood next to the cot, Aiden was just next to me, his body limp and convincingly still. The metal vent above us swung open just a hair—barely noticeable unless you were looking for it. Pierce stood in the doorway, framed by yellowish hallway light, his silhouette long and easy. Too easy. He didn’t walk like someone worried about what waited inside. His eyes landed on me. On us. “Finally awake,” he said, voice soft, almost pleasant. “You’ve been out a while.” I forced my breathing to stay steady, one hand resting protectively on Aiden’s back. “Who are you?” He stepped in, the door falling shut behind him with a sharp click. “Not a friend.” I wanted to laugh with how obvious that particular statement was. I almost wanted to laugh anyway. I felt hysterical with fear. His eyes flicked down to Aiden. “He’s still out?” I stiffened. “You drugged us.” “I could