With arms trembling, I struggle to push myself up, finding support against the frigid stone wall. As I get my bearings, I notice a tray placed on the floor within arm’s reach containing a refreshing cup of water and a tempting assortment of berries and nuts.
Leaning over, I pull the tray closer and reach for the water. I give it the customary sniff and slowly sip it. The cool liquid feels like balm as it glides down my throat, hydrating and soothing the dryness. I desperately want to guzzle it, but I don’t know how long it will be before I’ll get any more.After placing the cup down gently, I reach out to pick up a handful of juicy, ripe berries. I highly doubt they’ll be poisonous; his intention is to keep me alive so he can feed on me. Wouldn’t be much fun for either of us if I got poisoned.
I place a plump berry in my mouth, its smooth texture pleasant against my tongue. I begin to chew, and suddenly a burst of vibrant flavors dances across my taste buds. The sweetness is so divine I can’t help but let out a contented moan. With each bite, luscious juices fill my mouth, tantalizing my senses. These berries are delicious. I can’t resist indulging in a few more in between a couple more sips of water. Carefully, I push the tray to the side, saving some berries for later, just in case I find myself alone for an extended period.
Now that I have regained some strength, I take a moment to assess the chains restraining my wrists. A pin connects the thick handcuffs which have been locked with a key.
“Damn,” I whisper, and look around to see if I can spot a rock anywhere. Maybe I can break it.
I’m certain these heavy chains are the very shackles suppressing my magic. Otherwise, I would have effortlessly transformed and soared away from this place. The void left by my magic feels utterly unfamiliar, leaving me disoriented in this strange stillness.
The lack of natural light inside the cavern makes it difficult for me to distinguish between night and day. The absence of any visual cues is completely unnerving—it’s a torment in itself. The passage of time remains a mystery, leaving me clueless as to how long I have been trapped here. With a heavy sigh, I reach up and graze my fingertips over the rough surface of the puncture marks on my neck, causing a shiver to course through my body.
“Asshole,” I mutter.
Despite not having my magic, I can still rely on my heightened senses as I close my eyes and take deep breaths. I focus my attention, determined to ignore the incessantdrip, drip, dripthat echoes in my mind. The scents of saltwater and blood linger in the air. I inhale deeply again, trying to detect any other scents that might offer a clue to my surroundings. However, all that fills my nostrils is the musty, earthy aroma of damp soil mixed with the subtle hint of fresh water trickling somewhere nearby. With a slight tilt of my head, I take in the stillness around me—no heartbeats or movements to be sensed.
Now I’m satisfied I’m alone, and I take my time to get a layout of the cavern. The walls are rough and jagged, glistening with moisture. There’s a small area for a fire in the middle of the rocky ground. The torches are placed haphazardly around the cave, casting eerie shadows that dance across the uneven terrain. I’m not normally nervous about being confined, but it feels as if the walls are pressing in on me from all sides.
Fuck, I miss Kai.
The mere thought of his unwavering belief in me awakens a fire within my soul. I can almost feel his presence beside me, his steady hand on my shoulder, offering support and guidance.
Closing my eyes, I envision his face, his warm smile, and the way his eyes light up when he sees me. My heartbeat steadies, and I manage to draw in my first deep breath.
I refuse to die here.
I will see my mate again.
I know my only chance of escape depends on the demon letting his guard down. I have to force myself into a state of patience, biding my time until the opportune moment arrives. But patience has never been my strong suit. Anger always gets the better of me, turning my mind into a puppet for its fiery whims.
With a deep exhale, I let my mind drift to a happier time and draw that memory to the forefront.
“Kai, stop!”
Kai grins, the dimple in his left cheek pops, and I do my best to remain composed. He will not sway me.
“What?” he responds so innocently.
“Seriously, you are shocking,” I say, shaking my head.
Kai encircles my waist with his arms, his chin finding a resting place on my shoulder. We share a moment together, gazing out the kitchen window while my hands continue their work in the sink, submerged in the sudsy warm water.
“Shockingly handsome, charming, funny, sexy . . . I mean, what are we talking here?”
I grin wide as I playfully grab a handful of bubbles and smear them across his face.
“Annoying.” I laugh.
Kai’s strong arms spin me around, and I catch glimpses of his handsome face through a veil of bubbles. His ocean-blue eyes promise payback.
“I know you love it when we’re all soapy but—”
I grab the towel and wipe the bubbles from his face, cutting off his words. Once they’re all cleaned off, I go up on my toes, pressing my lips to his. Kai instantly responds, his hands cupping the backs of my legs and lifting me into his arms. I wrap my hands around his neck and relish in his strong, protective embrace as he carries me upstairs.
“I miss you,” I murmur hoarsely into the empty cavern.
Suddenly, a foul stench hits me, heralding the demon before he arrives. His rotten soul instantly causes my nostrils to twitch in disgust, putting me on alert.
