I saw black spots, my lungs screaming for air.
Then, his voice dropped, chillingly soft, terrifyingly lethal.
“Go. Get them.” His crimson eyes gleamed, filled with something vile, insatiable.
“Bring them to me.”
His grip tightened once more, my bones grinding beneath his strength.
“Do you understand me?”
I couldn’t help the violent tremor that racked my body.
I was going to die if I defied him.
I forced myself to nod, my throat burning from lack of air.
“Yes, Master.” My voice shook, barely a whisper.
“I apologize,” I rasped.
“I will find them at once.”
Balthazar released me, and I slid down the wall, my boots hitting the floor with a thud.
For a brief second, I just stayed there, gulping in ragged breaths, my lungs burning, my ribs aching.
Then—
I scrambled to my feet and bolted for the door.
I burst into the night, my heart pounding, my thoughts a whirlwind of panic.
I had to get away from Balthazar?—
I just had to.
But I knew the truth.
He would hunt me down.
He would find me.
And he would kill me.
The thought haunted my mind, but I pushed it aside, sprinting toward the stables. I grabbed the nearest horse, swung into the saddle, and kicked hard.
The beast reared, then lunged forward, hooves pounding against the dirt as we raced through the night.
The cold wind lashed at my face, but I barely noticed.
I had one goal?—
Malik’s villa.
I had to explain everything to Emily.
I had to beg her forgiveness.
