A monk held a blade to Maddie’s throat.
Her eyes were narrowed slits, full of hate. But it wasn’t fear in them—it was fire. Rage.
The same rage that simmered inme.
“No,” I whispered. “I won’t marry you.”
Vael didn’t blink. “I think you will,” he said, like it was a fact. Like gravity.
Above us, the sounds of battle raged—distant and brutal. I didn’t know who was winning. I didn’t know if it was Crown, Sentinel… or someone else.
Vael lifted a hand. The monks turned, gliding silently up the stairs.
He was dismissing them. Because he didn’t need them.
Not now.
He had everything he wanted.
Except me.
And right now—gods help me—I wasalone.
I felt Thorne shift behind me in a flicker of movement.
His face was unreadable. Cold. But he moved as if to step behind Vael.
As if he was choosinghim.
I’ve got you little Shadow.
I don’t know if I heard the words or imagined them.
Vael’s voice was calm. Almost gentle.
“It’s very simple, Elira. It always has been. You will step up to the altar and remove your robe. You will kneel, then offer me your palm. I will cut your hand—then my own. We’ll join our blood. In doing so, we will awaken our power together too. The blood of the innocent will be painted across our flesh to honour the gods. And then, with Thorne as our witness… we will make love in the spring of rebirth. Finally consummating our bond, tying us together for eternity.”
I was sick.
My body physically recoiled. “No!”
“And if you don’t, your friend here shall die.” He gestured to Maddie.
A bright blue forcefield had sprung up around Maddie and the monk, one impenetrable for my shadows.
I couldn’t let her die. I couldn’t.
I swallowed and drooped on the spot. I wouldn’t survive this.
What choice do I have?
I stepped up to the altar slowly.
Vael was already undressing.
I looked at Thorne. He met my eyes with his own shattered emerald green eyes. His hand clutched his sword as he fought his conditioning.
I kept my eyes on him the whole time. If this was to be my life, I wanted my last thought to be of his face. I pulled my shaking fingers to my robe and untied it, letting it drop to the floor. I was close enough to Thorne now. Close enough to see the blade in the hook of his pants.
