“Fucking demon,” I spit, venom lacing each word.
Her head snaps down, and before I can react, she’s straddling me, her weight pressing down on my already aching body. Her hand fists my hair, tipping my head back, the pain scattering across my scalp.
“I told you. My name is Yumekui,” she whispers, her breath hot against my skin.
My lips peel back over my fangs, a silent snarl of defiance. “Your name is of no concern to me,” I snarl, refusing to give her the satisfaction of acknowledgment.
Her lips tilt into a sinister smile, and with a flick of her wrist, a dagger materializes in her hand. The blade gleams wickedly in the dim light, promising pain. “For royalty, you really have no manners.” She tsks, feigning disappointment as she lightly trails the blade against my skin, drawing out the tension in the air.
The sensation sends a shiver across my body, a mix of fear and rage simmering beneath the surface. But I refuse to give her the pleasure of seeing me break. Not now. Not ever.
Placing the tip of her finger on the dagger, she twirls it, a bead of red blood forming. Slowly, she puts her finger in her mouth, sucking the blood from it while those crimson eyes never leave mine.
With a swift motion she drags her dagger across my chest, leaving a searing pain in its wake. Air hisses between my teeth as a fiery pain burns a path over my body.
Humming in approval, she leans forward and drags her tongue across the wound, lapping at the blood. With each passing second, the burn intensifies, creeping through my veins like acid. She is fucking infecting me with her foul poison.
I try to move, but my restraints tighten, keeping me in place.
“You could end this pain and help us,” the shadows whisper.
“Never!” I roar.
I would endure an eternity of this pain if it meant Everly would be safe. I hate that she’s out there alone.
No, not alone. Alivar got her out of the city, but has he taken her back? Is she under Raiden’s protection? Fuck, I hope so. If he has her . . .
Anger and jealousy burn in the pit of my stomach, momentarily blocking the pain.
I want nothing more than to open our bond to see how she’s doing, but I can’t risk it.
Chapter three
Everly
Alivar smartly vanished earlier, leaving me in this secluded cabin with strict instructions not to step outside again. The cabin’s suspiciously well-stocked, almost as if someone anticipated my every need. Clothes in my size, enough food to last weeks, even little comforts like a warm blanket draped over the worn leather couch. It’s too convenient, too perfect, and the unease gnaws at me.
But despite the cozy setup, the pull of the world outside still tugs at me. I can’t just sit here idle, while my thoughts run rampant. Which is why I decide to collect more firewood. Though, in truth, I have no idea what I’m doing. There isn’t much to find, just a few damp, half-rotted branches scattered around the clearing. But it’s given me something to do, a way to keep my hands busy and my mind off the mounting anxiety.
The cabin’s solitude is starting to wear on me. Alone with nothing but my thoughts, my imagination conjures up all sorts of horrors. What is happening in Skora? What is Maxon going through?
The images in my mind grow darker with every passing minute.
“Stop, Everly. You’ll drive yourself mad,” I mutter, shaking my head as if the motion can somehow dislodge the spiraling thoughts. But the fear is like a living thing, slithering through my mind, whispering doubts and dread that refuse to be silenced.
As I trudge through the snow, a sudden breeze tosses my hair across my face, causing me to momentarily lose sight of my path. The air, crisp and biting, carries with it a subtle fragrance of pine, adding a touch of freshness to the wintry landscape. I gather a small amount of firewood and make my way back to the cabin, feeling the cold nip at my cheeks.
Approaching the cabin door, I pause, my gaze drawn to the darkening forest beyond. The towering trees stand tall and silent, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, as if whispering hidden secrets only they hold.
Felix, with his sleek midnight black fur and piercing green eyes, waits by the front door of the cabin, his distinct features contrasting against the white background.
“I’m back.”
Felix meows loudly, seemingly protesting my departure from the cabin once again. Rolling my eyes, I push open the door and let out a sigh. My attempt to explore the area has proven to be unhelpful. Even my magic seems dormant here, as if it’s too cold to function.
Swinging open the wooden door, I step inside and bang my boots on the mat to remove any excess snow. Felix follows closely behind, winding his tail around my leg as he enters. The cabin is small and cozy, with a single spacious room and a bathroom tucked away. If not for the circumstances, I might actually enjoy the cabin with its frost-kissed windows which exude an icy elegance that perfectly frames the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains.
I pick up a log and make my way over to the fireplace by the far wall. Squatting down, I carefully place the wood on the fire, making sure it’s secure and won’t roll out. The last thing I need is to catch the cabin on fire. I stare into the flames, becoming lost in the captivating dance as it flickers. My mind naturally wanders to Maxon and the rest of the group. I’ve had no way to know their fate after the Shadoweaver’s pet unleashed her army of creatures at the city’s gates. I have tirelessly tried to connect with Maxon through our bond but he’s deliberately blocked any connection. The fact I can still feel his heartbeat next to mine provides the only sense of solace I have in this moment.
