The Assassin's Destiny (Hidden Legends: Prison for Supernatural Offenders Book 4)

THE ASSASSIN’S DESTINY PRISON FOR SUPERNATURAL OFFENDERS BOOK FOUR MEGAN LINSKI ALICIA RADES Copyright © 2023 Megan Linski and Alicia Rades All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. The reproduction or utilization of this work in part of in whole including xerography, recording, and photocopying is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. PIRACY IS FORBIDDEN AND ILLEGAL. Any piracy or illegal sharing by this work will invoke legal action by the publishers. BISAC Category: Fantasy/Romance This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Orina Kafe Artworks. For information about custom editions, special sales, ARCs, and premium and corporate purchases, please contact [email protected] Manufactured in the United States of America CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Hidden Legends The Devil’s City: Sneak Peek Bonus Offers About the Authors This book features characters with the following medical conditions. The information included is meant to educate readers on disabilities featured within the Prison for Supernatural Offenders series. PARAPLEGIA Paraplegia is a pattern of paralysis that affects the functioning of an individual’s legs or lower extremities. Common markers include loss of sensation, loss of certain motor functions, and loss of sensory skills. Paraplegia usually affects individuals with nervous system injuries and conditions, including those with spinal injuries or neurological conditions. Over five million people in the United States live with paralysis each year. CHAPTER ONE CHARLIE If all the beauty in the world could be condensed into a single fragment of time, I experienced its entirety the moment my wife woke from her coma. Every laugh, every smile, every caress of a loved one’s skin seemed to burst through and slam into my chest. I became so overwhelmed that I turned to a statue. I couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe as I took in the miraculous moment. A week ago, Ava-Marie had died. The compound beneath the Institute’s graveyard— where the Warden had been running his sick experiments on inmates— had come crashing down on her. She’d created an explosion to save us all and stop the Infernal Underground. But through her phoenix form, Oberi had brought Ava back to life, though it’d been Ava’s choice for her soul to return or not. My friends and I had come to the hospital to say our final goodbyes, but we didn’t have to say goodbye after all. Ava-Marie was awake. She’d returned from the Ancestral Lands. I’d thought for certain she’d chosen to stay in the afterlife… but she’d come back to me. “Gods, Ava! You’re back,” Kallie cried out before I had a chance to say anything. The hospital room erupted into a chorus of thrilled voices, our friends’ glee overlapping one another. “Welcome back to the land of the living,” Marcus said cheerfully, though his voice cracked with emotion. “By Atlantis, it’s a miracle!” Ivy cried. He shoved me aside and threw himself past me. I couldn’t see what was happening, but I assumed he was hugging Ava. I stumbled to the side a step, though I didn’t let go of her hand. “We’re so glad you’re awake.” Opal sobbed. Ezekiel spoke quickly through tears. “Sis, I’m so sorry about what I said to you. I never should’ve treated you that way.” Chancey and Alistair spoke over one another. I couldn’t process what anyone else said. The sounds were overwhelming, swelling over me like white noise. All I could do was stand there in shock. I didn’t know what to say. A moment ago, I’d made the decision to take my wife off life support. The doctors were certain she wouldn’t make it. Now, her soft voice and lively energy filled the room. Thank the ancestors, she’s here! Oberi’s relieved tone cut through my mind. He sounded so happy. “Guys,” Ava pleaded in a hoarse but confident tone. She must’ve pushed at Ivy, because he finally peeled himself off of her and stepped back. “I’m awake. It’s not that big of a deal.” The room went dead silent as we all took in her words. Ava had no idea what a miracle this was. Ava struggled to speak. “Can I have a moment with Charlie?” No one moved for a beat, until Kallie answered. “Yes. Of course.” Everyone shuffled out of the room, until Ava and I were alone with Oberi. I squeezed her hand tightly, and tears of relief sprang from my eyes. “Pidge,” I said breathlessly. I couldn’t express myself in words. All I could do was lean down and squeeze her into a gentle hug. Ava stilled in my arms. “Charlie, what’s going on? You’re acting like we haven’t spoken in forever.” I choked back a sob as I drew away. Ava may be awake, but she wasn’t fully healed yet. I had to be extra careful with her. She was so fragile. “We… haven’t,” I spoke in a broken voice. The weight of the situation must’ve hit Ava. Her fingers brushed the sheets. “Charlie, lay next to me.” Immediate hesitation overwhelmed me. I was terribly concerned I’d do something to set her back… make her fall into that coma again. “I can’t. You’re still hooked up to the machines, and I could hurt you, and—” “You’ll be careful. I need to feel you next to me. Please.” She tugged lightly on my arm. I pulled the covers back so I