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Sofia’s shoulders sink in relief, and while I’m grateful for her sponsor’s support, I don’t pretend we’re out of the woods yet.
“I will compete,” I say, turning my head up to the grotesque creature.
He glances down at me with those dead eyes of his. Black, gnarled thorns are rooted into his head, creating a crown. I can see the blisters and scabs that form around them now, making disgust roll in my stomach.
How did such a creature ever come to exist?
“Feisty, just as one would expect of a Rinhold. But you cannot nominate yourself, girl. One of your sponsors must do it.” He eyes Ze’ev. “Too bad the one you have wrapped around your little finger is mute. You’d better hope the other two believe in you enough to risk their lives.” The king points a crooked finger at the pack master. “What say you, Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack? Your fated-mate curse has been lifted. You are free to choose. Will Liliana Rinhold be the mate you pursue across the Deadlands with one penalty point for your part in her illegal activities?”
Godric’s eyes are on me with a familiar pinch to his brows.
I’m sorry.
He’d whispered that to me as he claimed me and helped me forget what was coming, even for just a few hours.
But now, he can’t spare me from this.
“Life,” he says instead with a bow of his head. “I vote for life.”
Not a nomination for the games.
He’s asking for me to be exempt.
Anger burns in my chest as my fingers curl into fists.
Godric doesn’t think I can do it.
Maybe he doesn’t think I’m even worthy.
King Njord rumbles a raspy chuckle in his broken chest. “Ah, the pack master has cast his vote. How about you, Arwan, Crown Prince, heir to the Noctis Throne? What say you?”
Godric gives the royal his best death glare, but the Prince of Death seems unperturbed.
Oh, shit.
He raises his chin and stares down at me with those brilliant blue eyes of his.
I can see his desire and his dreams every time I close my eyes.
I’ve been a thorn in his side for over a decade. Now that he’s found me, he doesn’t seem to want to let me go.
Consequences be damned.
“I nominate Liliana Rinhold for the Monster Games.”
Silence stretches out, and then the entire room erupts in a cheer.
Godric’s roar overtakes it all, but the king only laughs.
He keeps his voice low so that only I hear his final words.
“King Cain sends his regards… as does your sister.”
CHAPTER 36
“What the hell did he say to you?” Godric asks for the millionth time.
I haven’t said a word since Nomination Night. It’s been three days since King Njord not only rocked my world but also left something behind.
