The moment I’m within his reach, I lower my knife until the silver blade is snug against his throat. The safety it represents is an illusion. I can make him bleed, but he’ll shove the knife away and snap my neck before I kill him.
His eyes meet mine.“You’re learning how the game is played, novice.”
“Get it over with.”
He gestures for my wrist. Slowly, I hold it out, allowing him to take it. But I squeeze the hilt of my knife.
His touch is gentle—as if I’ve given him something precious. His eyes are a molten blue as they meet mine, and I suck in a breath as he drags his warm tongue over the two wounds.
They close almost instantly, my skin scabbing over. I attempt to pull my wrist free, but Rorrik tightens his hold, sweeping his tongue lower, swiping at the blood still dripping from my hand.
My thighs clench, something unmistakable burning in my lower belly. Rorrik’s eyes darken further, until they’re pools of black surrounded by a thin blue ring.
If he can scent fear, he can scent …
“Enough,” I hiss.
He looks up at me, and I can’t deny the sight of him on his knees …
“Do you feel powerful in this moment, darling?”
I don’t reply. He knows I do. Despite the fact that this is a farce. Rorrik may be on his knees, but he’s the one who has all the power. I tug at my wrist. After a long moment, he allows me to pull my hand free.
I turn, more than ready to be done with this.
But haunting screams echo toward me.
I may be done, but the emperor clearly isn’t.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Hester’s death is long, and slow, and agonizing.
The emperor uses his lions.
When I attempt to look away, a strong, invisible grip holds my head, forcing it in place.
If I could take it back, I would. If there was a way for me to stay alive and still save Maeva, I would never have turned Hester in.
If that’s a sign of weakness, so be it.
Kassia killed Hester’s cousin … right before I beheaded her.
Hester tried to kill Maeva.
I killed Baldric.
And now Hester is dying in front of me, her screams burning into my ears. I’d give anything to be able to walk over to her and end it.
So much death. For nothing.
When it’s done, and Hester is little more than a pile of meat, Rorrik releases his invisible hold on me. I whirl, stalking toward the edge of the arena. But Tiernon is nowhere to be seen.
Rorrik follows me, his steps unhurried, and yet he’s suddenly breathing down my neck.
I whirl on him, ignoring the healers waiting at the arena gate. “Why did you make me watch?”
He raises one dark brow. “When someone gives you a gift, it’s polite to appreciate it.”
