I was home free.
I could see the door.
By now, Vael had to know I’d escaped. His soldiers were scrambling—clutching at shadows. But I passed through them like air.
If I could get outside, I could run. I could become the dark again. I could find my Shades.
I kept telling myself that. Over and over.
One more step. Just one more—
Then I heard it.
A scream.
High. Sharp. Terrified.
It sounded like Maddie.
No.
I stopped. Solid.
My hand was already on the door handle. I could feel freedom pressing against my fingertips—
And I turned.
I couldn’t leave.
Vael stood on the second-floor landing, cloaked in white robes like the rest of his zealots. His hood was down. That sinfully beautiful, hateful face fully visible.
His blood-red eyes burned with challenge.
And in his arms—
His hand wrapped tight around her throat—
Maddie.
She was dressed like a maid. For a second, I didn’t recognise her.
But her face. Gods. Her face. She was turning blue.
“Maddie…”
My voice broke. Then I snapped back to fury.
“Let her go,” I snarled.
Vael tilted his head, amused. “Oh, Elira, Elira. You know I won’t. You’re sopredictable, pet. I knew you’d try to run. That spark of rebellion… it’s your best trait.”
He glanced down at Maddie, tightening his grip. “Consider your friend… leverage.”
I took a step forward, shadows stirring. Thorne held up his hand from his place behind Vael, willing me to pause. Vael’s grip tightened on Maddie’s throat. I heard her whimper slightly.
I looked at Vael again. I couldn’t stop the words.
“Why are you like this?” I whispered. “Why do youhaveto destroy everything?”
