“Well, that’s tough luck.” The bartender offered an apologetic half smile. “Truth or Die! Prior player chooses the question,” he declared.
A few gasps scattered through the audience, putting me on edge.
Die? Wait—as in,literallydie?
I whipped my head around to Aine and Breena for confirmation. They both looked as nervous as I was.
Okay, calm down.Maybe it won’t be so bad. Yet, if Lochlainn was in charge, that meant it’d likely be something embarrassing.
God damn it . . .
“Well, well, well. Looks like I have the lucky honors!” A cocky grin turned into something far more cunning than I was comfortable with, as if we were playing a game he’d already rigged.
“Get on with it,” I groaned, pushing a fallen lock back.
“Tell me Carwynn,” Lochlainn paused, eyes tunneling like the barrel of a gun. “Who are your blood-parents?”
My. Heart.Stopped.
This was an atomic blow to my chest.
“I—I” My skin immediately hardened, constricting around my neck uncomfortably. “C-c-can’t . . .”
My protest was smothered by a surge of blistering heat pouring through my veins. Invisible hands squeezed, closing my airway. I instinctively grabbed my throat, trying to fight off the invisible attacker.
“Breathe, Carwynn!” Aine yelled.
Hold out. Fight it!I desperately tried to rally myself.
But my mind was dizzied from alcohol, and I could feel my cheeks changing hues from the lack of air.
Can’t. Breathe.
My heartbeat became lazy.
Thud, thud, thud . . . thud . . . thud . . .
“Stop this!” Breena sounded shouted while moving toward the bartender.
“Just tell us and the spell will break!” Lochlainn assured, but there was a tinge of concern in his tone. His eyes fell to the gold choker on my neck,hischoker. He sucked in a breath.
The corners of my vision speckled with static dots as I fell to my knees.
It was killing me. It was really going to fucking kill me.
Be exactly who you were born to be,an ethereal voice implored.
Who was that? Was it me? I?—
I couldn’t hold my thoughts. I was on the brink of blacking out.
Okay, I submitted. Death wasn’t worthy enough for my secrets.
The magic sensed my decision and loosened.
My lungs drew in. It was a wheezing, broken sound.
“My father—” I choked on the words. “My father’s identity isn’t confirmed.”
