Gerard emerged from the trees behind her. “Nice little spot you found here. Far enough away from the path. Perfect.”
She ignored him, stepping deeper into the clearing to the patch of pink and purple wildflowers that she and Arria planted years ago. They were especially bright this year. Perhaps Arria’s spirit was tending to them.
She heard the sound of clinking metal and turned around, remembering Gerard was there. His hands fumbled on his belt, unlatching it and throwing it into the grass.
“Gerard,” she said, pulling back half a step. “What are you doing?”
“I told you.” He stepped closer, closing the distance she’d just created. “I want your company.”
She realized, belatedly, what he had meant by company. Her mind raced, replaying his words, his smile, the way he’d baited her along like a moth to the flame. But now, under the shade of the trees, she saw the strings clearly.
“You’re not serious,” she said, forcing a small, strained laugh, though it sounded hollow even to her. She started to step back again, but he caught her wrist, holding her in place with a grip that was just a bit too firm.He’ll let me go. This was just a bit of miscommunication. He won’t hurt me,she thought, willing herself to believe it.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked, his voice dropping to a growl. He loomed over her, his fragrance, earthy, mixed with the subtle sharpness of sweat, filling her senses.
It felt like a bird was fluttering within her, desperate to escape the trap it flew into. She pulled at her wrist, trying to break free of his hold, but he held on tight. His other hand rose to cup her cheek, the touch gentle, almost intimate. It may have been sweet in another context, but now it registered as a violation.
“Gerard…” Her eyes flickered between his, noticing how his hazel eyes matched Symond’s, which only made her panic more. “Let go of me.” She yanked her hand free from his grip and flinched away from his touch.
“We made a deal, sweetheart.” He undid his zipper. “I upheld my half. We’re in the forest, aren’t we?” He gestured to the foliage and the singsong of birds overhead.
“Well, you should have been more specific.” She crossed her arms tight over her chest as she watched him undo the buttons of his shirt. “I’m not…”
“Come on, Elora. I’m sure you’re curious why all the ladies love me. Even some men.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “You see, I know how to satisfy them properly.”
She didn’t care why everyone else loved him or what he did to them. If he intended to satisfy her, he’d leave her alone and let her have a moment of peace.
But then again, who was she kidding? There was no more peace.
“No. I’m not interested in finding out.” She turned around, ready to run for the path. He grabbed her wrist, spinning her to face him.
He exaggeratedly hit his hand off his head, chuckling with a dark, humorless laugh. “My bad. I totally forgot. You were never taught obedience.” His face turned serious, and he yanked her closer to him. “I have all the authority here, sweetheart. You don’t get to leave unless I dismiss you.”
He shoved her further into the clearing, away from the path, from escape. “Now, be a good girl and get on your hands and knees like the dog you are. I’ll even be nice and let you pick which patch of grass I fuck you on.”
She could fight. She could shove him, claw at him, scream. But what would be the point? Her body wasn’t hers anymore. Hadn’t been for a while. It belonged to Thorn, to the Empire, to anyone who chose to take it. Maybe this was just the debt coming due. The price for living untouched while others bled. Maybe she wasn’t meant to be spared. Maybe this was what sheowed.
The thought sank deep—too deep—and something inside her began to fold in on itself. Not breaking. Just… disappearing.
She moved. Not because she wanted to, but because it was easier. Easier to let go. Easier not to think. Not to be. And as Gerard’s hands found her, something in her mind went quiet.
The grass prickled against her knees. Dirt embedded under her fingernails. Somewhere, a bird chirped. Too loud. Or maybe it wasn’t loud enough.
Fabric rustling. A chilly breeze. Distant pain.
Her head felt far away, floating above her body. Hollow.
The sun was still warm. She thought about how the sky was blue. How ridiculous that was—that the world appeared so normal while everything inside her shattered.
Pink. Purple. Pink again. She counted the wildflowers. The colors blurred, smeared together. She focused on them anyway. Something to hold onto.
One. Two. Three.
Nothing mattered. Just colors. Just numbers. Just silence.
Chapter 26
Elora
