The mark of the Hopeless.
I swallow hard and slowly my eyes meet his.
Daxdyn steps forward, the moonlight filtering across his beautiful face.
He, too, pushes up the sleeve of his left arm.
An identical mark skims across his flesh.
Darrio releases me and, hesitantly, I turn to him.
While his brother holds a face of perfection, Darrio’s body is lined with flaws. A lifetime of battle slices through his flesh. Not an inch of skin is untouched. Long, tangled locks are pulled back from his face. A dark beard shadows his face, making him appear even more untamed.
And yet, he sets a tingle of nervous energy spiraling through my body at the serious look he holds in his beautiful eyes.
My gaze falls to his arms as he begins to turn his wrist to reveal what I already know is there.
The mark of the Hopeless scars them all.
Chapter Three
Liars
“Take us to the city,” the blonde says, my attention still drifting to the marking against his left arm.
“I can’t. The City of the Hopeless is a myth. It does not exist.” My clipped words are harsh as I try to convince even myself. I’m not friendly and I’m not going to pretend to be for anyone. Even the supposed Hopeless.
“Take us to the Juvar Kingdom then.”
Confusion swirls through me and I fold my arms across my chest.
“It’s near Juvar?”
A smile tilts his arrogant lips. Gods above, does his smile make me want to give him anything he asks for. I avert my eyes. I don’t fold that easily.
Usually.
“You sound very interested for someone who doesn’t believe me.”
I grind my teeth, refusing to give into his banter.
“Let’s say I take you to Juvar. What will you give me?” A dirty thought crosses my mind as I appraise the way his shirt clings to his hard chest.
He licks his lips slowly, the smile growing larger.
“Whatever you like. Name your price,” he says it in a slow, sexy tone as if my price is fueled by lust.
Not a chance.
Money fuels me. Adrenaline spikes through me like I have the money in my hands already.
“What’s your name?” I ask him.
“Prince Ryder.” He extends his hand to me and the twins exchange a knowing look. Their appearances are similar but their thoughts seem to be identical.
My attention shifts between the three of them suspiciously.
“Prince?”
