I apologize to Tansie repeatedly as the contents of my stomach splash across her legs.
Now I have nowhere to look.
If I glance out at what’s going on in front of me, I witness what my power is encouraging.
If I bow my head like I’ve been doing, I get to stare at Tansie’s lifeless body.
If I close my eyes, it drowns out everything that’s going on.
Then my own clear, conscious thoughts become too loud to ignore.
Sabelline’s huff echoes in my ears as she plops down on the couch behind me. She mutters to her servant to fetch her some wine, and I sneer at the command.
She’s the vilest bitch I’ve ever met in my life.
“So tell me about my new toy. Is he a friend of yours?”
No part of me wants to respond to her, but I’ve pushed my luck. I’ve been pushing it since I arrived back in my personal hell.
The longer I continue to ignore her, the more ruthless she’ll become.
This question, though, isn’t all that hard to answer.
“No, he isn’t.”
I hate that blond fucker. Not as much as I hate her, but close.
He’s number two on my “Blond Gods I Hate List.”
Maybe he’ll die here by her hand.
“Well, why not? He was there fighting with your brothers and that delicious little Binder the four of you were given.”
My eye twitches, and I snatch my soul back by the tight leash I have around it.
Do not reach out to her.
Do not reach out to anyone.
“Because he’s in Gladian’s Valtrue and they were required to meet Kirabitch at the barrier with us.”
A hiss whistles through my teeth as she whips me.
“Do not speak your father’s name like that again.”
Her shrill makes heat travel up my body. The raging inferno wants desperately to break free. As soon as the fire reaches my throat, though, my Harmony freezes it in its place.
“Well, the two of you will grow out of the dislike you have for one another. As soon as I get you back in the groove of things around here, I’ll allow the two of you to spend some time together.”
The flip-flop from fucking psychotic to sweet is startling.
Even by my standards.
“No, thanks.”
“Now, now, Riven. You know how rude that is. You don’t deny a gift, and you always give one in return.”
I grit my teeth.
