He’s holding back. Not because he wants to, but because he respects my decisions.
Every fiber of my being is screaming at me to run to him, to wrap my arms around his neck and promise that everything will be okay. But Leon’s leash holds me still, and I remain planted at the monster’s side. Still, I’m sure my expression is doing nothing to hide the yearning that presses against my chest.
Leon takes in the exchange between Sin and me, and from the corner of my vision, I see his eye twitch. Immediately, I tense, preparing for his grip to tighten and leave yet another bruise. But instead, he gives Sin a cruel smile before pulling me to stand in front of him. Leon doesn’t stop his posturing until my back is pressed to his chest, and his hand is splayed across my stomach in a possessive gesture.
It feels like insects are crawling over my skin. Chills erupt over me, everywhere that Leon is touching me.
They’re not good chills. They’re the kind you get when the creepy old guy at the family party stares at you too long.
Leon is definitely creepy uncle material.
“You said you weren’t leaving until you had proof that she was unharmed, and I’ve given it to you. Now pull back your attack and leave,” Leon snaps, finally breaking the silence.
Wondering what Leon could mean by the attack, I finally clue in as to why I can see the city beyond Sin. There’s daylight on the other side of the dome. My focus shifts to Arianna, who, like Sin, is scanning me from head to toe. She’s in the same fighting gear I usually borrow from her, and her long silver-blonde hair hangs loose around her shoulders. She looks downright lethal as black tendrils seep from her, snaking from her feet to the dome.
Only it isn’t a dome – it’s the Council’s wards. She’s engulfing the entirety of the Council’s castle in darkness.
When neither Sin nor Arianna makes a move to leave, Leon sighs, feigning annoyance. “So disappointingly predictable. You’ve lost, Destroyer, go home and lick your wounds,” he croons. At the same time, his hand creeps up my stomach, only stopping when his thumb brushes against the underside of my breast.
Every muscle in my body locks as the acrid bite of bile stings my throat. If I had anything in my stomach to throw up on him, I would. After all, he didn’t forbid me from vomiting.
Another solid loophole to explore.
Sin recognizes the cocktail of terror and disgust in my expression, and his tattoos give a momentary glow. Immediately, red light crackles over the wards, followed by another deafening boom of thunder.
He’s attacking the wards – wards that are designed to nullify Destroyer and Creator power.
When Leon doesn’t move his hand, Sin starts to step forward, only to freeze when I give the slightest shake of my head.
Leon gives a small, humorless chuckle, not looking even remotely intimidated. “My, oh my, such a temper tantrum when you don’t get your way. You should be a little more grateful, you know. The Council has graciously decided to pull back their armies, even though kidnapping a Creator and using your Destroyer power in the Otherworld are more than cause for us to attack.”
Sin doesn’t spare Leon a glance. His attention is solely fixated on me. “Just say the word, kitten. Let me set you free,” he pleads.
My heart breaks. He’s willing to sacrifice everything he and Morgana have been striving for, just for me. Not because he wants revenge, but for my freedom.
“Oh please, if you were going to end the realms, you would have done it by now,” Leon sneers. “We already know you won’t end innocent lives.”
Sin cocks a brow but doesn’t look away from me. It’s as if he knows I’ve been muzzled and he doesn’t want to miss a single expression on my face, lest he miss me trying to communicate. “That was before,” he answers simply.
I frown, tilting my head to the side, wordlessly asking him to embellish.
His gaze burns into me with an intensity that sets my soul ablaze. It’s the same look he gave me on the training field, when he tried to drill into me that I was worth fighting for.
“Before I found you,” he continues. “There is nothing I won’t do to ensure your happiness. I will burn this world and every other, if it means you’re free.”
His words almost steal my breath, and my heart skips a beat.
Leon scoffs. “Is that right? I imagine your Keeper must have some reservations then, since you’re still doing nothing but posturing.”
“The only reason the realms still stand is by Vivian’s grace.Sheholds the power here. The moment she decides she is ready to come home, I will not hesitate to end everything that stands between us. I suggest you keep that in mind the next time you lay a hand on her.” Sin’s voice is deadly calm.
My eyes water, and I choke back the tears. Even now, when I’m at my most vulnerable, Sin is finding a way to give me power. “I love you,” I mouth, needing him to hear it, even if I can’t speak.
Sin takes a shuddering inhale, and his fist twitches, like he’s desperate to reach for me.
Leon stiffens but seems oblivious to my silent message. His body is rigid against mine, like he’s ready to attack, even as he forces out a mocking laugh. “Well, isn’t that pathetic. Did you seriously think you could win the hand ofmymate? She is fated tome. She is choosingme.”
When neither Sin nor Arianna looks even remotely impressed by his antics, Leon grows even more agitated. “Do you need to hear it from her, then? Fine.” He grips my chin, forcibly turning me to face him. “Vivian, I want you to tell Sin that you are choosing to stay here with me, of your own free will.”
