Reapers -- The First Familiar (Reapers Chronicles Book II)

10 - Reunion

"You," he said again, this time barely a whisper.

I suppressed the urge to tell him that I do have a name and it's not You. Instead, I just tried to loosen his grip from my shoulder.

"Are you out of your mind? Get out of here. Get out of here while you still can..." He sounded as if he was almost pleading. That was new.

"No," I replied firmly. "Not without you."

Vincent's face hardened as he leaned his head back onto the wall and closed his eyes. Before I knew it, he was already laughing silently to himself like a drunk man who realized that he was too broke to get a taxi on his way home.

"What's so funny?" I demanded. As if he hadn't heard me, he didn't move.

For the second time, he let out a throaty snigger. "Is this even real? Is this even possible? I practically threw you out of this place. You can't possibly-"

In frustration, I gave him an ineffectual whack on the side of the head. I all but wanted to yell at him, point out that I had been through hell and back just to get to him. But the lump in my throat prevented me from doing so. I was afraid I would end up blubbering in front of him and I didn't want to go there. No freaking way.

"Get up!" I scrambled to my feet and snatched his arm, slinging it over my shoulder.

He didn't push me away but he didn't make an effort to stand up either. Thanks for the help, Vince!

I was slightly taken aback noticing how much weight he lost but I didn't let anything show on my face. His arms were limp and scraggy. The blood-stained shirt he was wearing looked like it was two sizes bigger. All in all, he was a mess.

"I don't care if I have to carry your stupid ass all the way back to the Gate," I muttered, standing up with some effort. I planted my feet apart and pulled him to my side so that it would be easier for me to support his weight. "You're coming with me."

Blankly, he just closed his eyes and sighed. "Do what you want. I'll wake up soon enough."

As we stepped toward the cell gate, I noticed something bulky tucked inside his shirt. It was rectangular, its corner sticking out of the bottom of his neckline. Mechanically, he put a hand on his chest as if making sure that the thing was still there. For an added measure of safety, he kept a hand on his chest so that whatever he was hiding under his shirt wouldn't fall out.

"You're already awake, Vincent," I answered, my exasperation building up as I trained my eyes on the corridor ahead. "Some cooperation would be much appreciated."

Byron Flynn trotted past us and barked. As far as I could see, there wasn't anyone but the three of us in this level. Wasting no time, the dog led the way back up, this time, slower because I had to literally drag Vincent along with me. He wasn't that heavy. My inhuman strength was more than enough to do the hard work. What made it more difficult was when Vincent's injuries started to heal spontaneously. Through the Transfer Link, I could feel him drawing off some of my life-force in the process. And at the rate he was doing it, I could not imagine how much he would need.

I paused, already out of breath as we reached the top of the stairs. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead and my head felt like it was floating in water. Beside me, Vincent was so still, his face almost serene. His wounds were almost fully healed now, yet, I could sense that he was struggling hard to not allow himself to squirm in pain.

"Ungh..." he moaned, suddenly clutching on his chest, falling to his knees.

A few snapping sounds came from his ribs. I knew exactly what that was-broken bones realigning.