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All it would take was a squeeze of his fist to break her neck.
Seran leaned close to Raina and took a deep breath before running his tongue along the side of her forehead. “She’s scrumptious. Still don’t know what’s so special about her, but she is tasty. I’d hate for one more woman to die because of the Unseelie Court.”
Raina’s jaw clenched and her entire body trembled. But her eyes were cold and never wavered from me. She was trying to tell me something, I was sure of it.
“But if you want to cut through to the heart of the matter, here it is.” Seran tossed a vial full of glowing golden liquid that landed at my feet.
“What is it with fae and magic potions?” muttered Mia.
I had no idea what she was talking about and didn’t give her any of my focus.
“I drink this and you release Raina?” I confirmed.
Raina’s eyes bulged, and she shook her head, though the motion was almost imperceptible with how tight Seran was holding her. “Don’t!”
But her protests just made Seran grip her tighter.
“I’ve looked forward to seeing you pay for your crimes against faekind for a long time. As much as I’d like to savor this, I should warn you my patience is frayed.”
To prove his point, he rotated his wrist, calling a shining golden blade to his palm, and pressed it to Raina’s ribs.
“You wanted to tell me your story,” spit out Raina, her desperation evident.
Was she stalling for time for something she was planning? Or was she just terrified?
Seran shoved his face against hers, taking in a deep breath and savoring her fear. “How could I forget? I did promise you a story. I promised you honesty.” As he spoke, his malicious gaze stayed glued to me. “But first, pick up the vial. I made a super special mixture just for you. If it makes you feel better, it will be quick. I want to see you suffer, of course, but I’d rather confirm your death more.”
I gingerly bent down and it was then I realized what Raina’s hands were doing. Or rather, what they weren’t doing. Even though there was a blade pressed to her side, she wasn’t trying to hold him back or even grasping to give her neck some leeway. Her hands were over her stomach. She was hiding something beneath her shirt.
I didn’t stare too long, not wanting to draw attention to it.
“King,” warned Xian from behind me.
What the fuck did he want from me? I wasn’t going to let this scum hurt Raina any more than he already had. If it weren’t for me, he never would’ve gotten his dirty paws on her.
I had a responsibility for her protection. And as much as Xian wanted his king to keep a clear head, what use to anyone would I be if she were gone?
“Once upon a time,” started Seran with a cruel smile, “there was a war among the fae. There wasn’t enough power for everyone, and it was only fair that the strongest win. In a war, there are casualties, right? Each side offered up soldiers to the slaughter. Except for the Unseelie, who took things a step too far. To deliver the death blow, they sent out a spell that went through every nook and cranny of the Land of Fae. Are you ready for the twist, sweetheart?”
Before Raina could answer, Seran pushed the knife forward, piercing her side. She gasped in pain and started to fall, but his grip on her neck kept her upright.
Mia screamed from behind me, and my vision went red.
Blood. I needed Seran’s blood right now.He would regret the day he ever decided to fuck with me.
“Clock’s officially ticking,” warned Seran. “This won’t kill her. Not quickly, at least. Remember that when debating if you should take that drink yet. Now where was I? Oh yeah. Murder. The filthy Unseelie magic reached into every home and killed every mother, daughter, sister, aunt... Every one of our women died because of their dirty magic. And ever since then, I’ve dreamed of retribution. But he’s always kept himself hidden behind his armies and walls. Thanks to you, I finally found a way to go for his heart. Now, time is running out. Drink or let your human die. Make your choice.”
I closed my eyes and pictured Raina when she first ran into me. Beautiful, flustered, and totally unaware how that one touch had changed everything. There was no choice.
I twisted off the top of the vial and brought it to my lips.
“Choose this, asshole,” said Raina as she pulled something out from beneath her sweater and rammed it into his chest.
The blast pushed Raina forward and without hesitation, I grabbed Raina and got us the fuck out of there.
