Page 19

Chapter 6

My eyes flutter open to see the ceiling, my entire body is aching, and I know the fates didn’t grant my wish of death. No, they once again fail me, painfully proving to me that they don’t care for us anymore. I scan the room and see Dragus to my side, casually flicking through the page of my grandmother’s book.

Sitting up, I realize I’m only in my underwear. I quickly cover myself with the sheet underneath me.

“You’re awake. How do you feel?” Dragus asks, dropping a book in my lap.

I snatch my hand away from his sight. “Like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

Every part of me aches, especially my back. The slightest movement makes me gasp for air.

“Can honestly say no one has ever referred to me as a truck,” a voice says, making my heart race.

Silas walks in, his towering presence more intimidating than I remember. Taller than Dragus and Matitus, his amber reptilian eyes glare at me.

His muscular arms stretch the fabric of his tank top, veins pushing out of his skin. A five o’clock shadow darkens his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. His hair is jet black, shaved on the sides with length on top.

He strides over to the bed, stopping at the end. I shuffle back, instinctively wanting to flee. Dragus grips my shoulder, keeping me in place.

I stare at the man who caused all this pain.

Silas leans forward, trying to grab the book from my hands. I pull it against my chest.

He growls, a low warning, before snatching it from me.

Flicking through the pages, he raises an eyebrow. “What’s so important about an empty book?” he asks, glaring at me.

“It was my grandmother’s,” I answer, staring at the book clutched in his hand.

“So, nothing important, then?” he questions again, and I fight the urge to answer.

I am not even sure what’s in it, my grandmother only knows. Only a Fae with magic can read the words inside. He moves to the fireplace and goes to chuck it in the flames and I scream.

“No, don’t!” I scream to him as I see him about to toss it in the flames. He hesitates, leaving his hand just above the flames. Dragus grip on me tightens as I am about to throw myself after it.

“Tell me, now,” Silas demands. I shake my head because I can’t tell him what I don’t know. It only angers him. He storms over to the bed and grabs my throat, pulling me toward him. He is so close we are nose to nose, and I find myself staring into the green and golden eyes of this predator. I feel tears well in my eyes as his grip tightens restricting my airways.

“Silas, let her go,” Matitus murmurs.

“Not until she tells me what’s so important about an empty book,” he growls, his eyes not leaving mine.

“Elora, tell him, please,” Dragus pleads. I try to speak but cannot with his grip cutting off my air.

Silas lets go, and I suck in a breath, my hands clutching the top of the mattress to remain upright.

“I don’t know,” I tell him, and he rips my head back by my hair. I hiss at the pain radiating from my scalp.

“You’re lying,” he growls, raising his hand and I know he is going to slap me. I flinch and brace myself for the impact of his hand on my face. Only after a few seconds and it doesn’t come. I open my eyes, and I can see he is struggling for control. I watch the muscle in his jaws tense as he clenches his teeth. His grip tightens in my hair slightly.

“Please, I don’t know. Only a Fae with magic can read it,” I beg.

“Come on, Silas, you know she can’t lie, without Magic,” Dragus pleads.

Silas lets go after examining my face for a few seconds. “Why do you have it, then?”

“It was my grandmother’s; she could read it. She wouldn’t tell me what it said though, said it was too dangerous.”

“Why would she say that?” he asks, stepping closer, making me lean back. I try to fight the urge to tell him. He leans down, placing his hands on either side of my waist on the bed. Leaning in closer and staring me in the eye.