I didn’t run. I escaped. I saved myself from the pain of spending my life under a monster’s thumb.
I don’t know why my first instinct was fear when I saw his scarred face. all I feel now… is rage.
I narrow my eyes, pulling at my Divine even when it hurts until Timor’s smirk falters. Blood drips from his nose, staining his crisp white shirt.
He quickly wipes it off, afraid his men would see the fear in his eyes.
I might be the weakest in Eldoris, but I’ve made him bleed twice now. It was always my blood soaking the ground, but today I’ll finish what I couldn’t twelve years ago.
Timor isn’t leaving this hospital alive.
I squeeze Dean’s hand, borrowing strength from our bond before I ask, “Why are you here?”
“Tiberius wants you back.”
Over my dead body.
I scoff. “You’re still doing your brother’s bidding like his lap dog.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Timor laughs as merwarriors close in around us. “I want my brother to stop obsessing over a broken toy. If that means kicking you off the board…” He shrugs.
He’s not here to take me back. He’s here to get rid of me… against Tiberius’ orders.
Suddenly, something clicks into place. “The sniper.”
The smile on his face is all the answer I need.
Last year, when we were searching for Harvey in the human realm, a sniper took a shot at me. At the last second, Nevaeh shoved me aside and took the bullet.
I knew the sniper was a merman, but I thought it was Tiberius sending me a warning to come back to Eldoris.
Now that I know Timor isn’t dead, everything changes.
I can’t even imagine how Tiberius reacted to a fourteen-year-old slave nearly killing his brother before escaping. It must’ve destroyed their reputation… and whatever was left of their relationship.
That’s why Timor is here. He thinks capturing me will restore his image, and even if he fails, at least I won’t be a problem anymore.
Timor stands taller. “You can’t count on anyone these days. That’s why I’m here… to finish whatyoustarted.”
“Is this about how I maimed your face so everyone could finally see how hideous you are insideandout?”
Dean laughs in our link.“Ouch, that was mean.”He looks at me from the corner of his eye, a smirk spreading across his lips.“Do it again.”
“Watch your mouth,Flaw,” He growls.
I step forward, itching to break his nose. “Or what,fucktard.”
Timor lets out a humorless laugh, turning to Dean. “You let your women talk like that?”
“I don’tlether do anything. She’s her own person. She can say whatever the fuck she wants.”
Once again, I’m glad Dean is here. I don’t need him to fix my problem or fight for me, but his presence steadies me and gives me the clarity to remember that fear got me nothing while rage got me out.
Timor gestures toward the exit. “Leave now, Reaper, and you might keep your limbs.”
This motherfucker really thinks we’re the ones who should be afraid.
I don’t know what Dean’s planning, but I’m going to enjoy ripping every one of them apart.
