"Don't call him that." The words slip out before I have a second to think them through.
"I'm not sure who will make theTrinkitisuffer more. Bastian or Vesper." Vassago smiles and Finn tenses. He's struck another nerve, but this time, both me and Finn are affected. "But what I do know for certain is both would make you watch them torture him."
My hand flies for the dagger attached to my hip but find the holster empty. I'd forgotten the dagger Bastian gifted me had been sent on the decoy ship when we traveled to Elowen. What I would give to have it with me now. The action draws a deep, belly laugh from Vassago.
"Reach for any weapon all you like. You can't kill me! All that will do is release me from this body I have grown tired of so I can find a new one." His red-rimmed eyes find Finn. "Perhaps your body."
My fingers curl into my palms, biting the flesh.
"Tell me where the portal is – "
"I didn't ask that elf to bring you down to see me so I could answer your pitiful interrogation questions," he cuts me off with a menacing growl. "I wanted to see you for myself. To see the fear in your eyes and hear the tremor in your voice when I mentioned Vesper's name. She would be delighted to know she'sright about you. You're not strong. You're pathetic. And because of your selfishness, your refusal to align yourself with Bastian, your friends will be the ones who suffer."
I inhale slowly to steady myself and feel Finn's chest anchored against my back.
"Don't let him get to you," Finn whispers.
I should heed his warning, but deep-rooted anger ignites in my feet and spears upward through my body. My knuckles turn white when I squeeze my balled-up fists, but Finn's voice echoes in my mind and I ultimately choose to walk away. I won't give this creature the satisfaction of seeing me unravel.
I rap my knuckles against the door, signaling for Thrane to let us out. "Rot here," I shoot Vassago one last look.
"My one regret is I will miss Drogon's return. He will destroy everything and everyone you love."
I shouldn't but I square my shoulders with his and listen to his departing threats.
"Vesper will save your Tronovian for last," he licks his crusty lips and smiles wide. "He will suffer greatly. Perhaps, she will take his eyes first so he won't be able to see what she takes from him next. Or maybe she will cut out his tongue so he can scream your name but you will never hear it – "
All sense of control purges from my body and I lunge for the demon as Thrane opens the door, but Finn shoves me back and I hit the floor hard. Vassago screams, clawing at his face. He moves like a man alit with flame, though his chains keep him firmly rooted in place.
I whip my head to Finn and shudder when I see his eyes are orange. He takes a commanding step toward the demon, the creature's screams grow louder with the proximity. "Tell me where the portal is and I will ease your suffering."
"No!" Vassago hisses between pained screeches. "No!"
Finn takes another heavy step forward, his shoulders tense.
"Finn," I whisper, but he's too focused on his victim to hear my solemn cry.
"Where is the portal?" Finn hisses, intensifying the demon's pain by the sound of his bellows.
Nyx slides his hands beneath my underarms and lifts me off the floor. I attempt to move toward Finn, but Nyx wraps his arms around me and tugs me against his chest.
"Don't touch him," he warns. "His magic could transfer to you by mistake."
I recall all the times Atlas attempted to stop Finn's assault on Tronovians and how the pain would shift to be inflicted on Atlas. Nyx is right. Though it pains me to say it. I don't have a card to play in this game. All I can do is watch in horror as my dear, sweet Finn, becomes the version of himself most mortals fear.
"I have all day, demon," Finn spits, a viciousness in his tone. "Tell me where the portal is and I will release you from my grasp."
Vassago hasn't stopped screaming, hissing, and gnashing his teeth in unspeakable pain. Sweat beads around his hairline and tears stream down his cheeks. Finally, when pity for the creature blooms in my chest, the demon relents.
"It's in Midori!" he cries out. "The portal is in Midori!"
His yelling ceases and his body droops from the torture. Finn grabs him by the hair and pulls his head up. "Where in Midori?"
"The outskirts," he rasps. "About a three-day walk east of the Golden Palace. I have told you all I know," he pants. "Please, do not hurt me anymore. That is all I know. I swear! I swear!"
Finn swivels, silently glancing at Thrane beside me. I expect to see remorse on his face, but I'm surprised to find no such sign. Finn almost looks… satisfied? I'm not sure what to make of it, but I don't have time to ponder on it when Thrane nods in approval.
"I believe we are through here," my cousin states, tossing his cloak behind him and marching up the stairs.
