I pace the floor, back and forth, never sure when darkness falls because it's always pitch black down here unless they turn on a light. It's all part of the attempt to break me.

But they can't.

With my bond open, it's as if Bella stands by my side this very instant. Her quiet assurance keeps me focused, and my will to return to her side is unparalleled. Every step I take tonight will be with her in mind.

Moving closer.

Restoring my faith in humankind.

Each minute feels like an hour, but my bond is strong, and it keeps me from venturing out on a suicide mission. Trying to leave this place without Jasper's guidance could prove fatal, and I would never risk my life when Bella and my cubs feel so near.

Footsteps cause me to pause, ears tuned.

"Prince," Jasper whisper-shouts from the door, waving a flashlight in the direction he'd like me to move. "This way. Hurry."

The single bulb shining from the narrow staircase ahead is too bright.

I squint.

Darkness is my new friend.

The human guard who's brought me food stands at the ready. "Sir." He nods at Jasper. "The scraper is outside the sewer gate as you requested."

"Thank you, Tyler, you've been a loyal man," Jasper tells him, clapping his shoulder. "You realize this is going to hurt, right?"

"Yes." His eyes trail to me. "It's a small price to pay for righting this wrong."

I'm confused until Jasper steps back and says, "He's all yours, Prince."

The guard is tense, ready to withstand a blow.

Surely not my blow.

But I can't take it too easy.

I've sworn death to them all.

"Thank you for the food that allows me to stand." I swipe my claws across his chest, ripping his shirt and watching the blood pool.

"Thank you for your kindness when you had no reason." He's doubled over, so I bring my knee up and rock him backward.

"Fight!" I roar, adrenaline pumping as I pummel his head. "You need defensive wounds."

His effort is pitiful, at best, but I allow him to clench my mane in his fist and pull himself to his feet. He lands blow after blow to my head, and it's enough to bruise his knuckles and leave my hair under his nails.

I sink my teeth into his arm, and he screams.

I could sever it.

But I won't.

"Thank you, Tyler," I say, punching him in the jaw, once, twice… "You're welcome in Kingdom Cullen anytime if the urge to leave this revolting place strikes."

I land one last blow, sending him flying backward.

He doesn't move again.

"I hope he's okay," I tell Jasper as he turns for the stairs.

"Royce will probably have him killed anyway," he replies, unphased.

I stop.

Torn.

This man, this measly human guard has risked his life to make sure I had some sort of sustenance on a daily basis. To leave him here, beaten and bloody, only to be killed by an angry tyrant doesn't sit well with me.

I grip Jasper's shoulder, and he jumps around, on high alert. I hold up my palms. "I'm not going to attack you. I won't do that, but I also cannot leave this man to die. He can become an honorary Cullenite."

"We don't have time for this," Jasper hisses.

"I won't leave him for dead." I turn my back on Jasper as I kneel and shake the poor guard. "Tyler," I say, giving him a little slap. He jumps up, confused. "You're fine. Come on, we need to get out of here."

"Huh?" He's rightly confused.

"You're getting out of here," I tell him.

"Royce will kill me if I leave my post," he says, wide, scared eyes flicking around the cavernous space.

"He'll kill you if you stay." I pull him up. "Can you walk?"

"Yes, Prince." He's wary, and I get it, but I'm going to show him what loyalty to your kingdom looks like. "Where will I go?"

"To Kingdom Cullen," I answer proudly. "We welcome all species, and we'd never falsely imprison someone and expect our citizens to lie about it."

Jasper interjects, "No one will be going anywhere if we don't get out of here now!"

He doesn't stand around any longer. With his flashlight, he leads us up the staircase and into a concrete block hallway that's brightly lit. After so long in the dungeon, my eyes burn. I squint them, bringing my arm up to block the worst of it.

"Prince," Tyler says, coming up beside me. "Take this." He offers his helmet, which is hard plastic with a bib.

"I cannot use that in good conscience," I tell him, worried that a battle lies between myself and freedom. My plan is to save his life, not wear his protective gear and leave him vulnerable.

"A trusted soldier will happily die for a good leader." He shoves it into my hand and passes me to catch up with Jasper.

I have to flatten my mane, but I don the helmet.

A spark of curiosity flickers from Bella.

I smile.

Even amidst the trauma of my disappearance, she doesn't resent the small moments of camaraderie I feel for the two men who're risking it all.

"Halt," someone calls from behind me.

I pick up my pace.

Jasper spins and moves toward the approaching guard. I slip into an alcove out of sight. Jasper spends countless minutes trying to convince the guard that the only Cullenite present is him, but in the end, he sends the guard to check on the prisoner himself if he doubts Jasper's word.

Our timeline until the alarm sounds has been critically shortened.

Bella senses the tension, but I send calm.

Nothing can stop me from leaving this kingdom.

The rest of the journey through the underbelly of Forks is uneventful until the alert blares in the distance. Jasper picks up the pace, guiding us through the hallways at record pace.

"It's right up ahead," he murmurs, shifting and pointing to a dead end. "Your scraper is parked just outside the sewage grate at the end of this hallway."

"I'll show him," Tyler replies. "The runoff tunnels go through the wall, so we should have no problem getting out of the city."

"Wait a minute," I say to Jasper as Tyler starts moving. "What about you?"

He shakes his head. "My job here is not done. Someone will need to testify to the Council, and the best way of appearing credible is to stay by that wretched pig's side."

"What if he has you killed?" Leaving him was not my plan.

His eyes flick behind me to Tyler. "I have a scapegoat now."

I lift my brows. "I suppose you do."

"Meeting you was an honor, Prince Edward," Jasper says, holding out his hand. "You taught me that the rulers of my kind are gracious and fair, and I'll never forget that lesson."

I pull him into a hug. "You always have a place in Kingdom Cullen."

"Maybe one day." He smirks. "Now go!"

I don't stand there another second.

My mate is pulling me toward her by sheer will.

Okay, Blank Space is completely written, so all my time can now be devoted to finishing this story.

Definitely 2 more weeks, but maybe I can get a few chapters done in that time.

See you on Labor Day :)