I frown at his response. If I’m wrong and this man is telling the truth, then I’ve actually been kidnapped.
By the enemy.
Is that even possible?
My mind reels, looking for some thread of logic.
Was I still within the protective wards when I was in the water outside of Leon’s castle?
The blood drains from my face. I was with Leon when he made the wards. He never entered the water.More obviously, there was a forsaken spirit in the water with me.
I left the wards. I left myself unprotected.
The stranger rolls his eyes before adding, “If we wanted you dead, you’d already be rotting back in Leon’s pond.”
Is that supposed to make me feel safe?
I can think of a lot of things that are worse than death.
A heartbeat passes, and I school my expression back to one that looks brave. I can’t afford to show any more fear than I already have.
“Who. Are. You?” I ask again, putting force behind each word.
The stranger’s jaw works, like he’s debating whether to answer my question. His gaze locks on mine, and I swear I see a challenge. I hope my own looks defiant.
Another slight smirk, and he finally answers, “My name is Sin.”
Chapter 2
Rule two:Always tie more knots.
To my credit, I don’t run.
I don’t even breathe.
Sin – the dark and evil Destroyer that Leon and I are supposed to kill. The creature who might be released at any moment and end all the realms.
Don’t look, don’t look, don’t look.
Of course I look.
My eyes dart to his neck, drawn by the magnetic pull of morbid curiosity.
Sin notices, and his smirk grows wider before more tattoos spiral across his skin, glowing a deep red.
I barely notice them.
My stare is locked on his neck, where there’s a noticeable gap. A gap that should be filled by the same energy collar I left on Leon.
Sin’s powers are free.
“Oh fuck,” I whisper.
Are there social etiquette rules for getting kidnapped by someone who you’re supposed to help murder? Sin said that if he wanted me dead, I would be. So, he doesn’t outright plan on killing me. But will he change his mind if he finds out I’m part of an active plot to kill him?
Let’s not find out.
I can’t just keep staring at him in horror. My resolve to not show fear is a distant wish.
