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My blood runs cold at this thought.
"It's cute, brother," Amadeus says lazily, his eyes narrowing on us. "Don't think for a moment that I can't see what you're doing. Playing protector, finding ways to lower her guard until you can strike. It needn't be so complicated. Let me have her, and I'll make sure you get your chance with her when I'm through."
"Go home, Amadeus," Cyprian growls.
"I don't think I will. In fact, I think I'd rather take her right here, up against this tree. What do you think, brother? Care to stay and watch?"
Without meaning to, I take a step back from Cyprian, and to my surprise, he lets me. A second later, I realize why as he lunges at his brother.
Amadeus stumbles backward as Cyprian lands a hit to his nose. My stomach knots at the crunch of cartilage, and a low curse escapes Amadeus as he presses his palm to his face.
Pulling his hand away, I let out a small gasp. Even with the fading light, it’s hard to miss the blood as it drips from his now crooked nose
"You'll pay for that," Amadeus shouts, launching himself toward Cyprian as he easily dodges the attack.
I watch as they throw themselves at each other, frozen in place as a sensation of utter helplessness settles in my stomach. I know I should run. I should get as far away from them as possible, but I can't get my legs to move.
At one point, Amadeus suddenly side steps, turning on me as Cyprian stumbles.
"Hazel, run," Cyprian shouts, glancing at me and giving Amadeus all the distraction he needs.
I gasp in shock as Amadeus whirls on him, landing a hard hit to Cyprian's stomach, causing him to double over as he collapses to his knees with a groan.
Before I can react, Amadeus' hand has wrapped around my wrist. He yanks me to one side, the world spinning around me once again from the sudden movements.
Shoving me back against the rough bark of the tree, Amadeus pins me against it. Sneering down at me, blood coats his lips and chin, adding an extra layer of monstrosity to him as his eyes flash with lust and hatred.
Grabbing me by my throat, he forces my head back before crushing his blood-wet lips to mine. The scent of iron and salt mix as I struggle to push him away, my own lips pressed tightly shut against his onslaught.
He pulls back, his breathing heavy as his fingers tighten around my throat and I gasp for air.
"You will give in to me, even if it's the last thing you do."
Suddenly, Amadeus' eyes widen as he's thrown back from me. I clutch at my throat just as Cyprian grabs my wrist and begins pulling me up the hill toward the house.
I don't fight him, even as his fingers dig into my wrist. I don't doubt there will be a bruise from his grip in the morning, but that's the least of my concerns right now.
"Stop!" Amadeus screams at us, scrambling to get to his feet.
"Don't look back," Cyprian orders, quickening his pace as I fight to stay on my own two feet.
"Mother will hear of this! Be sure that she'll deal with you both!"
With Amadeus hurrying behind us, we're a garish sight as we make our way up the hill and into our front garden.
My heart leaps into my throat as I see Merelda standing in the door, hands on her hips, as she takes us in.
"What in the seven hells is the meaning of this?" she hisses. "I've been looking everywhere for you, girl."
The hatred in her face is momentarily broken as her eyes shift to her eldest son and the blood smeared across his face.
"My darling boy, what has this whore done to you?!" she gasps, tears shining in her eyes as she hurries over to him.
"I'm fine, Mother," Amadeus tells her before letting out a yelp of pain as he wipes the sleeve of his shirt across his mouth.
"Go, wash the blood from your face. I'll be in to tend to you in a moment."
"Mother—" Cyprian starts, but she holds up a hand to silence him.
