“There is no way out. Not tonight, and not ever. Becauseyou’re mine.”
Fists tighten on my dress as determination fills every cell in my body, pushing me to add more speed, but I cry out as an arrow catches the hem of my dress this time, halting my movements and holding me still. “Some things in life are inevitable, darling.”
How is his aim so accurate in the darkness? His abilities inspire nothing but awe. Too bad he’s using them against me, thus creating a division between us.
“Go to hell.” I pull hard on the fabric, tearing it to free myself, then resume my run. My lungs beg for oxygen, but there is no time to rest.
An intruder came to my haven, my home built with love and peace, and decided to destroy it in the most vicious way.
He broke the ancient laws and dared to touch something he could never have, and for that, there is always a price to pay.
Lightning grazes the sky, illuminating everything around us for a moment, only to cast us in darkness akin to the one he inflicted on us all when he brought everyone under his curse.
A man who seeks destruction, as it’s the only thing feeding his chaotic soul.
Yet my soul yearns for him, flourishing under his obsession and finding peace where there should be none.
“Diana!” he calls again, the energy shifting around me becoming more tense and dangerous, causing even the owlsto cry out. The trees around me seem to sway under the harsh wind. I’m afraid they might fall at any moment, giving the hunter an advantage.
By the heavy thumping behind me, I know he’s close, intending to catch his prey and smear me in his blood.
Claiming what no one has ever dared to claim before him, earning himself an endless supply of glory that should never be his.
A powerful man who answers to no one, living by his own book, where gore and chaos rule, as all the riches in the world belong to him.
But what he truly wants is me, and it shouldn’t ignite my heart. Though it does.
My body is not for sale, and I won’t give it to him without a fight.
Several more arrows land by my feet, blocking my way, and judging by how skillfully he uses them, I know he’s trying to scare me. He’ll never hurt me.
Not yet, anyway.
After all, he’s known for torturing his prey before finally indulging in his dark cravings, in killing them, holding their flesh for everyone to see. And only then does he allow his hounds to feast on the remains.
The thought brings anger so strong, I can taste it on my tongue, and I let it consume every nerve ending in my body. Fueling me with fury and vengeance, wiping away any self-preservation or survival instinct.
Stopping right in the middle of the garden, I take my bow and arrow and swiftly spin around, only to come face-to-face with him. We both breathe heavily, staring at one another, with my arrow aimed right at his throat.
His mouth curves into a smile as his eyes glisten with desire and anticipation. He throws away his bow, opening his armswide and stepping closer to me until the tip of my arrow meets the bare flesh of his neck. “Shoot, darling. I’ll enjoy the sight of my blood on you.”
“You’re a psychopath,” I whisper, my heart beating wildly as more thunder booms in the sky and rain soaks us from head to toe.
And just like that, the role-playing game is over, and we’re no longer acting.
No.
It’s my husband standing in front of me, showing me all his vices and awaiting judgment. Even though he has no intention of ever letting me go.
He takes another step, and the arrow digs deeper into his throat, drawing blood, and I know if I just apply a little more pressure, I could kill him.
That’s a vulnerability no one else would get to have sans me.
How far would he allow me to hurt him before his resolve snaps, and he takes what he wishes without any regard to my feelings?
And can a man who is capable of so many emotions even be called a psychopath? If I had the chance to kill all these men who helped Conrad, I would have done it in a heartbeat.
What does that say about me?
