It should burn, but I feel nothing. I’m nothing but a hollowed-out husk.
Leon’s hand inches further up, now only a couple of inches away from my center, and still, the leash keeps me frozen in place.
Something inside of me is going feral. It’s clawing at my throat, desperate for a way out. But Ican’tmove. Every passing moment feels like a movie I’m watching, rather than my own life.
It’s been this way since I left Nymara’s lab last night. Part of me wanted to run, but Leon’s order that I not leave Council grounds still rang through the leash. I could have hidden, gone back to the corpse cave, and become the sixth skeleton. But then Need might attack the realms, millions will die, and Sin will get captured when he comes for me.
Staying doesn’t look much better. Sin will be imprisoned, and then, whether I obey or fight, Leon will breed me, and Need will abuse my future children.
How do you make a choice like that? The indecision is paralyzing.
Leon snaps his fingers in my face, breaking me out of my spiral. “Vivian, focus. This is important news.”
His blue gem buttons are ridiculously large today.
Compensation, the favorite coping technique of mediocre men.
Gritting my teeth, I go back to picturing all the ways I could torture Rydon. It’s surprisingly relaxing.
Maybe this is the secret to inner peace?
“As I was saying,” Leon continues in a snide tone.
I picture him strapped to the torture table beside Rydon. It’s like a two-for-one deal. Highly efficient.
“Need is concerned that you’re having difficulties building relationships with her inner circle. Why, youbarely speak to any of them at the dinners,” he continues, sounding disappointed.
I don’t catch myself in time. My jaw drops, and I give him an incredulous look. “You don’tletme speak at the–” I start, unable to stop myself from pointing out that he’s the reason I don’t socialize.
“Do not interrupt me,” Leon snaps, and his grip on my thigh tightens painfully.
The mental leash tugs, and I snap my mouth shut.
“As a way to encourage your bonding with members of the inner circle, we’ve decided to appoint you a Keeper, sooner rather than later. Someone we trust.” He speaks slowly, like he thinks I can’t comprehend basic words.
My stomach feels like it’s trying to turn itself inside out as Rydon gives me an eager, twisted smirk.
Please no. Please let it be Nymara. If there is anyone out there, please don’t let it be…
“Rydon has graciously accepted the responsibility of becoming your first Keeper.” Leon beams at his friend, his chest puffing up with pride.
I don’t breathe. I truly thought things couldn’t get worse. And yet, here we are.
They want to force me into a bond with the man who raped Arianna.
A red haze settles over my vision.
You’d think I would have hit my breaking point ages ago. But no, apparently, I still had some sanity left in me. The choices that have kept me locked in a state of paralyzed indecision fade away to some distant, unreachable part of my brain.
Rydon and Leon continue talking amicably, neither realizing that I’ve completely checked out. All I can hear is blood rushing through my ears.
No more. Absolutely no more.
Leon might commit atrocities against me, and while I know that’s wrong, it pales in comparison to the pure, undiluted hatred I feel for the man who hurt my friend.
Satisfied with my lack of pushback, Leon stands. Distantly, I hear him say something about going to see Need, so Rydon and I can get better acquainted.
The moment Rydon and I are alone, it’s as if the bubble that was blocking out all sound pops, and my focus dials in on the man sitting across from me.
