Page 192 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

“What does that⁠—”

She withdraws a smoky vial, holding it between trembling fingers.

My blood runs cold.

“No…” I dip my chin, desperate to meet her eyes, to convince her not to follow the king’s orders. “Petra, no! You cannot do this.”

“You know I don’t have a choice.” Her words are quiet, almost a whisper.

The clang of armor announces the king’s men. Two masked guards step into the cell.

My heart beats hard, but I snarl viciously. They falter, knowing my strength, knowing what Draven and the others could do if unleashed.

But their fear of the king prevails, and they continue their approach.

Petra moves between them, uncorking the vial.

“Don’t do this,” I growl.

My pride won’t allow me to beg. Not when news of whatever is said in here is sure to make it back to Marek’s ears.

Petra finally looks up. Tears glint in her crystal-blue eyes, cutting through me, stealing my breath.

The guards each grab one of my arms. I jerk, shove, flail, but the fucking chains prevent me from using all my strength. They subdue me.

Petra lifts the vial. One guard grabs my face and digs his fingers into my cheek. I fight to keep my mouth closed, but the pressure increases, and a sliver of space opens.

That’s all she needs.

The poison pours in. I follow the tear sliding down Petra’s cheek.

Her lips quiver. “I’m sorry, my love.”

Then…my soul burns.

A gasp tears from my throat as I bolt upright. My heart hammers. My muscles burn like I’ve been dragged through fire.

I whip my head from side to side, sucking in ragged breaths. The space around me is dark, blurred, unrecognizable.

“Lara!”

The guard’s fingers dig into my cheeks, sharp and insistent. The acrid taste of poison coats my tongue. I squeeze my eyes shut and see Petra’s sorrowful eyes. I watch a tear slide down her lovely face.

“It’s okay!” Slender but firm hands grip my shoulders. “Lara, you’re okay. You’re safe.”

Ferria’s voice cuts through my panic like a lifeline. I shake my head, fighting to catch my breath, but slowly, the desperation that flooded my veins ebbs.

Was that a vision? A memory? I don’t know. But one thing is certain—my magic somehow triggered it.

My magic… I can’t feel my magic!

I search within myself, desperate to find a trace of the miraculous power that’s given my life purpose. The power I’ve just started to truly understand.

When the tiniest flicker of light sparks deep in my stomach, the muscles around my heart loosen.

Thank you, I pray to the Gods. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

“Elara?” Ferria gives my arms the tiniest shake, and her tone makes me think it’s not the first time she’s said my name. “Goddess, help me. Answer me!”