Page 25 of Trust the Fall

“Take her down. Now.” My eyes fly open at the thunderous voice of River.

The entire room goes silent. Nolda doesn’t even make a peep. All eyes are turned to the massive warrior, who looks two seconds away from ending everyone in the room.

“I won’t say it again, Nolda. Get. Her. Down.”

Nolda’s head tilts to the side as he studies River. “Why?”

“Why?” River bellows. “I don’t owe you an explanation, demon.”

“You do here, in my house.”

River grinds his teeth. “I will leave this place and you will lose all hope of a reaper alliance. Take her down!” His words ricochet off the walls, and the tables tremble under the ferocity of it.

Nolda tries and fails to maintain an unaffected façade. His jaw clenches and his hands quake slightly. He flicks his wrist, giving the demon women the order to take me down.

Hot tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to show weakness in front of these vile creatures. With my shoulders back and breasts pressed forward, my eyes bore into Nolda as though my nakedness is of no concern to me.

Does he see what I’m trying to convey? That I will end his life.

Whatever playtime fantasy he’s been living will end. He will never rule Hell. I will die to ensure that.

“Take her back to her cage,” Nolda sneers.

I’m dragged backward, my eyes connecting with River’s.

A silent promise is exchanged. He will protect me, his expression says.

What he doesn’t realize is I don’t need protecting. I’m an angel, and I can take care of myself. I will find a way.

I just have to figure out how to tap into my abilities.

Wars have been fought here between Heaven and Hell. It has to be possible, because Heaven has always come out on top.

“She stays,” River commands. “She’ll dine with me.”

Nolda bares his teeth but nods his head, likely remembering why River is important. He’s the messenger for the queen of reapers. Nolda can’t win the war against Luke without them.

The shackles are removed from my hands and legs, and something akin to a potato sack is slid over my head, covering my body.

“Go,” Nolda orders, and I’m pushed forward, toward River. “Everyone else, eat.”

The room erupts in noise as the demons fill their plates. All the attention is finally off me, and I allow my shoulders to sag marginally.

River smiles as I approach, showing straight, white teeth and dimples that should be illegal. My eyes narrow in on him.

“Nice dress,” he says flirtatiously.

I offer a smile that promises pain.

What game is he playing at?

Just like before, he answers my unspoken thought.

“Too many to count, princess.”

Ugh!

THE QUIET THINGS THAT NO ONE EVER KNOWS