Just how Lucius would handle it.
I snapped my fingers, ordering the front row to move first.
As they pledged their allegiance, my bloodthirst stirred, awoken by this violent act, craving the taste of mortal blood.
Maybe that would calm me down.
Yes. Rather than listen to the endless dying sounds those executioners would make over the next weeks, I would kill them quickly. Feed and offer them mercy.
That word.
That accursed word.
No mercy…
No mercy…
No mercy…
I growled in the face of a thrall, who swallowed a yelp, tumbling back. I grabbed him, quickly realizing it was Elio.
His presence didn’t help my fury.
He released a trembling breath, a mouse in the path of a cat.
Before I could say anything to him, a guard hurried on to the stage.
“Apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty,” she said, “but Paris Raine has run into the corridors.”
Without a word, I tore out of the ballroom.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
PARIS
“Trust me, we’re not getting out of here,” I reiterated.
Well, he wouldn’t.
The merman clearly thought I’d lost my mind. “If there’s a way in, there’s a way out, my friend. Nothing keeps me down for long. Anyway, I’m amazing at solving puzzles.”
You had to admire the confidence. “This isn’t a puzzle, it’s a death trap.”
Damn. Was I betraying Silvanus by telling him this? What, by telling a fellow executioner the truth?
Fuck my life.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m Jon, by way.” He offered me his hand.
This wasn’t the time for a get-to-know-you session, but I shook it anyway. “Nice to meet you.”
Hope your death isn’t too painful,I wanted to say.
I nibbled on my bottom lip, tapping my right foot. I was scared, my brain unable to conjure a solution that didn’t end in a bloodbath.
