When he defends me to Taylay in the forest, he endeared himselfto me. He saw the darkest parts of me, that others feared, and wrapped them into his soul as if I belonged.
Then, he took it away.
When he laid his claim on me in that village, he mended not just our hearts, but souls. It was a sham of the Heartbonds others spent their whole lives searching for, a deceitful way to force someone into fabricated love.
Rubbing my chest I wince. And now I was tied to him.Soul-bound.
The boots stop in front of the iron bars.
The cell door swings open on creaky hinges, two Dark Fae guards entering with a tray of water and food. One of the guards I recognize—Zeke—the Captain of the Army and Kaden’s favorite. He’s here whenever Kaden needs extra help.
Behind them ishim.
Dressed in all black finery, I see the cursed Dark Fae prince in the flesh. He stands tall, shoulders wide, his silken black strands twisted into a simple braid that hangs over his chest.
Inhaling, I pounce, sweeping one leg out as a guard falls, then I elbow Zeke. My body aches, stiff from the cold and grief, but I push through it. The captain ducks my attacks, the tray wobbling as a hand grabs my arm.
“Feeling feisty today, kitten?” Kaden smirks. Gods, I want to slap it clean from his face.
He tosses me into the wall. “This is the most fight we’ve had out of you all week.”
A week I spent, listening and assessing so as to plan for my escape. This was supposed to be my chance.
Jutting out my chin defiantly, he tilts his head. “Not so weak.”
Shuddering, I try not to show the desire that courses through me at his simple words.
Because as reverently as I hate him, how badly I hurt from his lies, how badly I want to be free of him, beg to findan escape, Idon’t. My body still craves him, and my heart mourns his love. I still wanthim.
Gods, this infuriating bond.
Swinging my fist, I grit my teeth. All of this ishisfault.
He jerks back, my tiny fist catching his chin.
Pain shoots up my arm to my jaw, but it’s replaced by victory. Landing a hit on him feltgood.
I try to use my left, but the bastard catches me, pinning my back to his front. Embarrassingly, I inhale his campfire and spice scent. My heart—my body, yearns for him still.
Which is confusing and terrible. Kicking back my leg, I try to shake him off, but he holds firm.
“That’s enough of that, Max.” The words ghost over my ear, goose flesh breaking out over my arms. “Gods, you’re atrocious at fighting. How have you stayed alive this long?”
“I make it a point not to get involved with the enemy.”
Tossing me on to the cot, he points to his chest. “Mate.”
Glaring, my fingers hunt for a hard edge within my covers.
When the guards leave, he asks, “Are you going to eat?” I squirm, his voice igniting a fire inside my belly.
This damned bond.
Though which bond, I’m not sure I’m cursing. The soul-binding one he forced on me? Or the oneDeygifted me, a Heartbond with such a wicked Fae?
“You know this is for your own good.”
“Forcing me to eat poisoned food is for my own good?” I ask behind clenched teeth. “Drugging me so I’m pliable, unable to access my magic, is for my own good?”
