Quick as a flash, the amusement drops from Riven’s face, making way for a ferocious scowl. “That can be arranged,” he drawls.
“Not anymore,” Ciprian says. “My girl won. Weren’t you paying attention?”
The crowd gasps, watching their volley with bated breath.
“Indeed, she did.” The smile returns to Riven’s face, but it’s colder this time. “We’ll have to wait and see if she can manage it a second time.” It’s a clear threat, no magical translation needed.
He waves his hand again, and the gate Celine came throughrolls up. Ciprian and Celine walk into the holding room, and the gate slams shut behind them.
The three of us who remain are muscled out of the arena and returned to our cell.
No one speaks for hours.
What is there to say?
EIGHT
Monster Realm Survival Tip #6:
Sleep with all eyes open.
CELINE
Numb. Numb.Please gods, give me numb.
I grit my teeth to keep from screaming. My thighs are in a world of pain, but I’m more concerned about the burned parts I can’t feel.
The gate rolls shut, then a slab of metal slides between the lattice, taking most of the light with it.
Ciprian’s on me in a flash. “Hang in there. It’s going to be okay. Don’t rub your legs together. Gods, you were amazing, Celine.” His hands and lips are everywhere, gently scattering kisses and caresses along my filthy, exposed skin.
My breath hitches. I hate his concern. He should be smiling and teasing or belligerent and crass, but this version of Ciprian makes my back itch.
“It’s hot wings to you,” I say.
His black eyes focus on my face. “Shit, are you dying? You hate that nickname.”
“Maybe it’s growing on me.”
He shakes his head, but there’s a hint of a smile on his face now. “Sure, okay. Let me see your ass then, babe.”
I wince. “I’d rather you not have the memory of it like this.” Yeah, I’m being shallow, but there are some things you can’t unsee. And if it looks half as bad as it feels...
Ciprian rolls his eyes and crouches in front of me. Then the color drains from his face.
“How bad is it?” I whisper.
“Umm.”
“Rip it off,” I suggest.
“You already did that,” he mutters. “It was a badass move, don’t get me wrong, but did you have to straddle that thing? Itseared you from cheek to crease.”
“I’m aware,” I groan.
“Do you think this shitstain of a realm has Neosporin?”
I laugh, but it comes out sounding more like a sob. “I’d rather have a fifth of tequila.”
