As gently as I can, I use my large arms to cradle her small form and exit. I have to use a delicate touch, knowing my beast could easily snap her in half if I don’t.
He’s upset, tempered by my resistance. It’s weak, and I mentally grip his leash, praying to Nylxa for strength. He’s a wounded animal, allowed out of his cage in decades and is fighting me as I try to becomemeagain. It’s my fault. I let him loose to get this far, to feed my magic and save Max. I have no guilt over it—I would gladly do it again. But now, he’s a liability.
I have to regain control if I’m to get us out of here—alive.
We move down the halls, my magic dwindling. It was bolsteredby his fury but now, it’s almost spent. And he’s angry, raging as I try to close the lid on his control, force him back into his prison.
Wincing, I feel the Hadeon at my side like a comforting friend, securing Max to my chest. Blood soaks my fur and I howl in pain. Rage pounds in my head, exhaustion tires my bones and the beast growls as he battle for dominance.
I stop short of the garden exit, as my father blocks my escape. Two guards are at his side and he doesn’t carry a sword.
The bastard smirks.
A furious growl releases from my lips and I stand taller, protective arms around Max.
“Oh, my heir,” he coos, shaking his head. “Look at what this woman has turned you into. You have such impeccable control and yet, she’s reduced you to this.” His lips curl. “Pathetic.”
I growl again, unable to fully speak. There’s too much energy being spent holding the beast back from fully taking me away. In my head, my fingers grip the edge of a door to the beast’s connection.
If I let go, he’ll have complete control.I’ll be lost.
And where will that leave Max?
“Put the woman down. Look at yourself. She’s not good for you.” He takes a step forward. “Give her to me. I’ll make her into the perfect weapon we need. And I’ll make sure she learns her place, just like Sose.”
My body shudders, a wounded hiss escaping through clenched fangs. The Hadeon growls low in warning.
“You. Killed. Her.”Belabove, it’s so hard to speak!
“You were going to let her go to that fool, Fenrir.” He sneers. “She was meant to be your queen and when she left, you justlether go. I couldn’t let the kingdom see such weakness, such drivel from my eldest. So, I taught her a lesson.” He shrugs, pulling on his tunic. “Did she die after my punishment? Yes. Did you get the blame for her death? Perhaps. But it made you into this fearsome creature. None of the kingdoms dared to touch us with you here. This woman, though?She’s been in that room for a full day, and hasn’t broken. She’s someone who can be powerful with the right tutor.”
A full day, being whipped, tortured by him. He thinks his tactics are helpful, building her up. When will he realize he only destroys everything he touches?
The blood still falls, coating us both. She doesn’t have much time. Our connection is trying to heal her, but it’s too little. It won’t save her.
Digging deep for the dregs of my magic, I shove them into the guards, crushing their bodies with inky black fingers. Their bodies are nothing but broken bone, torn ligaments as I sneer at my father.
He doesn’t blink.
Stepping up to him, my claws curve around my mate. “Move.”
“If you leave this palace, you will have a war on your hands.” It’s so matter-of-fact. As if I didn’t already know this—choose this the moment I came to this castle.
The world can go to ruin if it meant protecting Max.
My beast pulls against the leash and I slip, will spent as fangs chomp at air and my father falls back, eyes wide. I grab that mental chain, hold firm and pull. A pet master restraining a wayward lion.
“So be it.”
I would fight a thousand wars for Max. She’s worth it.
He falls to the side as I pass, seeing the beast he thought he could control. Little did he know the only person who could command me is the tiny Witch in my hands, who holds my heart in hers.
Chapter
Thirty-Five
MAX
