“How…why…”
The words stick in my throat.
No.
“Hey, Thayla girl.”
I step back. His tender but firm stare bores into me. It’s like I’ve been thrown into the past. He gives me a tight smile before he turns from me.
“Son.”
Mellcom stiffens. His shoulders rise, his jaw tightens, and his glare is vicious. He doesn’t respond, and Meridamus’s head shakes in that familiar, disappointed pattern. The one he’d use when we broke the rules.
“This ends now.”
Mellcom and I snap our attention to his stern voice. We both sneer.
“After twelve years, that’s all you have to say?” Mellcom growls through clenched teeth.
“That’s all that needs to be said. You’re making a grave mistake, Mellcom. One whose consequences will outweigh the rewards.”
There’s nothing funny about the chuckle that escapes Mellcom. He takes a step back as Meridamus moves toward him.
“Don’t, son.”
“Don’tyoufucking dare call me that again.”
“No.”
My shout tears through my stunned lips as Mellcom’s power rips across the arena. He lets out an ear-splintering whistle and every Dark God starshoots out. With a flick of his wrist, he disappears with every ungodly being with him.
“Fuck!”
I run my hand through my hair as I try to regulate my breathing.
In seconds, Amick and Kyzen are at my sides, while Riven…
“Riven, don’t,” I say, throwing my hand up.
“Well, well, well. Who’s this, little burden?” he asks as he tilts Meridamus’s chin up with a sword.
Meridamus’s gaze stays as steady as ever as it locks onto mine.
“This is Meridamus.”
“Ahhh. Golden bitch’s dear ol’ daddy. The same man who left you in those pieces of shits’ fucking hands.”
“Riven,” I plead when he presses the blade tighter into Meridamus’s neck.
He giggles, then lets out a long sigh.
“Count your lucky stars, Merry-pops. My angel has decided to spare your life.” He lowers his voice as another warning sound leaves his mouth. “For now.”
My eyes drift shut as he withdraws his sword and moves over to us. They fly open just as fast.
“Where’s Creed? Where’s Laney?”
“Right outside the arena walls,” Amick says as he cups my cheek.
