“This is a disturbing attack,” Need continues, sounding disappointed. “We have gathered here as a gesture of goodwill, in an effort to bring peace betweenthe realms. And yet even now, the Shadow Realm spits at our good intentions. I am incredibly saddened by this betrayal, and even further disappointed to see the Beast Realm has chosen to align itself with a realm that would choose violence and war over peace.”
She makes her way down the steps, and I swallow thickly when I realize she’s headed for me.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“It seems our sweet, naive Creator has been drawn in by their lies. Her heart is being pulled in two directions, and I believe it’s time we settle, once and for all, where her loyalty truly lies.” Need reaches my side, but her words are loud enough to carry across the room. “Vivian, you must choose which Destroyer you will align yourself with. If you choose Sin, you are choosing war. The Shadow Realm has already shown it isn’t willing to accept peace. As such, we will be forced to end Sin’s immortal existence. It will be a loss, but this is the only way we can ensure the safety of the realms.”
Oh gods no. They can’t kill him.
Terror spears through me, but Need isn’t finished. “Or you can choose to bind yourself to Leon, of your own free will. If Sin is willing to accept your choice, then he and Ragna will be given a final chance to leave peacefully.” Her eyes narrow on me. “Their fate rests in your hands. Choose now.”
“You will answer her,” Leon growls.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to hold back tears. It isn’t even a question. Sin’s life is on the line, and there is nothing I won’t do to save him. But that doesn’t mean I can bring myself to look at him when I answer in a barely audible whisper. “Leon.”
Need steps closer. “What was that? The room must hear you.”
Swallowing, I force my eyes open, and Leon wrenches my head to the side, making sure Sin is now directly in my line of sight.
His gaze burns into mine, pleading with me not to do this – not again.
“I choose Leon. I will willingly bind myself to him,” I call out in a clear, loud voice, even as my heart breaks.
The shattered pieces of my soul throb, and I welcome the pain. I deserve to hurt for this.
Need opens her arms, a triumphant smile now firmly locked in place. “There, that wasn’t so difficult. The Creator has chosen. Let us put this matter behind us. Our attackers will have one last chance to leave peacefully. If they continue to fight, I’m afraid we will have no choice but to put them down.” She turns to the mages. “Release them.”
Whatever magic was holding Sin and Ragna dissipates, and tension coils through them as they regain control of their bodies.
Still, they don’t run. Rage emanates from Sin as he takes another step toward me.
My blood turns to ice at the thought that he’s going to continue to fight, but he doesn’t press any closer.
“Don’t make me wait long, kitten,” he growls.
He gives me a final warning look and then turns on his heel. He and Ragna don’t look back as they stride out of the castle.
I crane my neck, trying to ensure they make it out safely, but Leon twists my head back, forcing me to look at him instead.
His twisted, humorless laugh sets my hairs on end. “Don’t worry about them, pet. The Council mages will ensure the traitors never cross these wards again, not without cuffs binding them.”
His free hand grips my throat, and he doesn’t try to mask his unbridled rage as he gives me a sadistic smile. “You, on the other hand? You should be very worried about yourself.”
Whispers and shuffles fill the room as guests watch us, visibly uncomfortable. No doubt, they’re appalled with the way their precious Creator is being treated, but fear keeps them from interfering.
Need narrows her eyes at the crowd before turning back to us. “Get her out of here, and get it done,” she orders with a hiss.
Leon takes a deep inhale as he skims his nose along the back of my neck. “Gladly.”
The anticipation in his tone makes my skin crawl.
“Smile, darling,” he orders, as he picks me up bridal style and starts up the steps.
Distantly, I hear Need telling the guests that Leon and I will be consummating our mate bond.
Bile rises in my throat.
Leon carries me in a mockingly tender embrace as he walks through the corridors. He smiles at every servant and guest, but even his charming mask can’t hide the crazy look in his eyes.
