Page 126 of No One’s Daughter

​Valerius’s cruel laughter echoed across the space.

​“Just take me,” I pleaded. “Let her go and do what you want with me.”

​“Please,” I begged, because I wasn’t above begging. I’d do anything to save Claire. She didn’t deserve this.

​I wished I had control over my powers.

I wanted to save her.

To punish him.

I wish I was a worthy sister.

But I was nothing.

He feigned pondering my request as he slowly walked across the stage, each of his heavy steps echoing like thunder through the conservatory. A sickeningly amused grin etched on his horrible face.

“No.”

Silent tears streamed down my face. I felt my magic stirring to life within me, but I couldn’t focus it, direct it. It felt as useless as I was with these bracelets I couldn’t take off.

With a lazy flick of his fingers, he gave a single command. “Bring them down.”

My heart slammed violently against my ribs as figures in dark attire stepped forward, their movements precise and practiced. One by one, the silks were lowered, the suspended bodies descending with an eerie grace that made my stomach churn.

They were placed gently on their feet.

Too gently.

Like they were precious.

“No…” I whispered, shaking my head as I stumbled forward, only to be held back, firm hands gripping my arms, anchoring me in place. “Stop… please.”

No one listened.

Valerius approached the first woman, circling her slowly, almost thoughtfully. His fingers lifted to her mask, tracing its edge like he was admiring the craftsmanship.

Everything in me screamed.

“Don’t—”

He removed the mask.

For a split second, hope flared—wild and desperate.

It wasn’t Claire.

Relief crashed into me so sudden it made me dizzy.

But it didn’t last.

Because Valerius simply hummed, as though mildly disappointed, before making a small, but deep cut to her throat.

The woman didn’t even have time to react.

One moment she stood there—still, vacant, hollow-eyed—and the next, she crumpled, her body folding in on itself as though whatever had been holding her up had simply… let go.

Blood poured from her in an instant.