“This is all going to be mine one day, and you will do as I say. So, if I say I want you to slaughter one hundred men, you will.”
I shake my head. “No, I won’t.”
He leans in closer, his breath dancing over my ear, and I shiver.
“You won’t have a choice,” he promises.
I stagger to the side as he slips through the door without a backward glance. The second the wood is closed again, my gaze darts to the bed where the same crimson stains are blotched over my sheets.
I hate him.
Blinking, I rid myself of the memory and the promise, hating that I’ve become exactly what he told me I would be. It’s almost laughable how much I live and breathe a superior aura, crushing anyone in my path, but I don’t know how else to be. I know it’s not the path meant for me, but I’ve succumbed, just like he knew I would.
I drag my hand down my face as I try to forget the memories of my mother’s smile and my father’s curious gaze. They wanted The Sanctum to crumble, but not so they could take the helm like my brother, rather for us to live freely. I wish for nothing more than that. I wish I had been more present in their meetings, more insistent in calling out Jude’s disarray, and more willing to fight fortheircause because now I do it all for him.
My stomach growls, pulling me from my thoughts. I should probably find something to eat. Not the food down at the dining hall, either. I need a whole fucking animal to offer me at least a little strength.
Pressing my palms against my knees, ready to stand, I don’t manage to move an inch before the dorm room door swings open in a flurry and Rion storms inside.
He offers me a half-sneer before he grunts, turning toward his bedroom, leaving the main door wide open.
“What are you doing?” I ask, my spine stiff as I watch his every move, seeking an answer I’m too scared to receive.
He scoffs. “Not that you care, but we have a plan,” he mumbles, and I tilt my head, watching him disappear into his room without a backward glance.
I’m on my feet before I realize it, eliminating the distance between us. I halt at his door, restraining myself as I lean against the frame instead of entering.
“A plan that involves what, exactly?” I ask as he rifles through his belongings.
“None of your business,” he mutters, not bothering to turn my way.
“It’s always my business,” I bite, emotion swirling in my chest despite my best efforts to squash it.
“It stopped being your business when you let him take her,” he snarls, his withering glare finding me this time, but before I can snap back, another angry voice comes from behind me.
“Can you both just get on with it?” Ocean stands with her arms folded over her chest, her eyelids clipped at half mast, and her lips pursed so tight I’m sure she’s going to pull a muscle.
Instead of saying anything to her, I roll my eyes and turn back to the agitated wolf. “I’m her guardian,” I state clearly, and he snickers.
“No, you’re a jackass, and you’re lucky I’m too occupied with finding her to give you the beating you deserve.” He stands tall, closing the drawer of his nightstand as he turns to face me. “But know, it’s coming,” he threatens, storming toward me just as quickly as he had upon his entrance.
I consider blocking his exit, but something inside convinces me to step out of the way at the last minute. There’s something curled inside his hand, but I can’t make it out. Regardless, it’s enough to make my heart hammer in my chest.
“Where are you going?” I ask as the pair of them usher back toward the door.
“Not that it matters to you, but we’re going to The Sanctum.”
My pulse quickens. “You can’t do that,” I grunt as Ocean steps out into the hallway first, but Rion pauses at the threshold.
“Let’s go, Rion,” Ocean orders, but he turns to glance at me instead.
“Why can’t we do that?” His words are soft, almost timid, like he’s bracing for my answer.
I shake my head. “Because it will make it worse for her when she gets back,” I state, and his nostrils flare as he shakes his head.
“Why?” he repeats, and I clear my throat, shrugging weakly as I turn away from him.
“Because,” I mumble, and he huffs.
