Such a gift. With me, I can make you the most powerful woman in Ghadra.
“Get away from me!” Lux growled at him, but her words were less than nothing.
You’ll not so much as breathe without my permission. You cannot escape me.
The shadowed form drifted aside to watch her beneath an expectant gaze. Only for Morana to take his place. The sneer she directed toward her cut her as sharply as ever, casting her back to her eight-year-old body.
Just look at you. Pale, bruised, bleeding and ugly.The shadow sniffed in disdain.You always were useless. Worthless. It suits you—being strapped to this chair.
Lux glared defiantly.
Don’t think I don’t notice how my family looks at you. And for that alone, I will destroy you.
The stinging slap across her cheek opened every crack in her lips and jarred her back so painfully she cried out. Morana’s laugh echoed through the small chamber, before they, too, dissipated.
Stupid girl.
Shaw crossed his arms in the corner of her vision, his usually warm brown eyes darkened to black. Lux closed her own, the betrayal too fresh. She heard him anyway.
A menacing chuckle filled her head.Lifeblood is all I’ve ever sought. All I have ever cared for. Eternal life. Do you think I’ll stop with the dregs of Ghadra?
She swore she could smell his scent, his honeyed breath against her lips.
You’re next. And when I slit your eyes, drain them entirely, and drink the silver that resides within you, know that I will personally toss your body to the darkness of the trees.
You will never see the light.
The candle snuffed, pitching her into an abyss. Lux pulled against her bonds, felt them dig into her flesh as the pain clutched her with an unyielding grip.
A disembodied voice filled the room.
Oh, Lucenaaa.
Didn’t you know?
I murdered your parents.
“Who said that?” Lux’s eyes snapped open at the unfamiliar voice. They roved frantically about the impenetrable room.
A wild laugh raked at her ears. It echoed in thunderous waves.
“WHO ARE YOU?” Tears dropped from her lashes and blood dripped from her fingertips. Both trickled down her raw throat.
That laugh. It wouldn’t stop. She couldn’t take it. The darkness pulsed in rapid tempo, mimicking the pace of her heart. Lux felt her consciousness slip.
Secrets, secrets, secrets.
He’d broken her—just as he promised he would.
Her head lolled, her voice a ragged sob. “Tell me. Please. Tell me...”
The splash of coldwater on her face jolted Lux from her stiff, bent position. She groaned.
“Wake up, girl.”
Her attempt to roll from the voice proved futile. Something held her still, and she squinted open her eyes.
The chair, the straps, the candle. They all came into focus at once, and she lurched back, cracking her head against the wood behind her.
