AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her eyes are wide and worried, and she’s shaking her head while silently mouthing, “Don’t.”
She wants me to turn down the proposal, but what’s the alternative?
Armand can tell I’m mentally debating, and he spells out the other option, which really isn’t an option at all. “Of course you could choose violence and kill every single one of us, but think of the repercussions. If I die, the time-stilling enchantment over the property goes away. You’ll become disoriented and unhinged. You’ll wander aimlessly and venture out into The Unknown. You and the woman would be lost. That’s not an outcome you’re willing to consider, is it?”
“No.” I hate agreeing with this asshole, but he’s got me backed into a corner.
“Honestly, I don’t know why you don’t look happier,” Armand complains, like I’m being ungrateful for not thanking him for the wonderful opportunity he’s given me. “In either scenario, you get to leave here the victor who has either won a queen’s freedom or granted her with the most merciful act you could bestow on such a sad creature.”
He’s wrong. If I fail, there is no victory.
I’m confident in my ability to defeat his game, but in the off chance that I don’t, I know what will happen. I won’t complete my end of the deal, and I’ll willingly relinquish myself to the gem. Ro would still be stuck here, but eventually, when I don’t return to Valora, they’ll send someone else in my place and she’ll be rescued by another warrior.
I cannot—will not—hurt Ro under any circumstances.
So I must win.
Strength? I’ve got that in spades, and if anyone can beat these challenges, it’s me.
Armand just wants a show, and I can give him that. Like Ellister said, the overlord values entertainment.
I’ll slay any monsters thrown my way. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve got some pent-up anger I need to expel, and any target will do.
“All right.” I nod once. “You have a deal.”
A brief blue flash comes from the amulet, an acknowledgement of our bargain, and Armand claps his hands. “Wonderful.”
“Kai, no,” Ro cries, her voice cracking.
Trying to put off an air of nonchalance, I shrug. “I already agreed.”
“And you’ll take her with you.” Swirling a finger at Ro, Armand tacks on the stipulation with finality.
I fervently shake my head.
It’s one thing to march into an unknown battle by myself. But with a starving, suicidal former queen in tow? No way.
“Hold on.” I slash my hand through the air. “That wasn’t part of the deal.”
“Technically, no. I suppose you could leave her here, but I can’t guarantee her well-being in your absence.”
Meaning, he’s probably going to hurt her.
And I’ll worry the whole time I’m gone.
Worry is a dangerous distraction. If I’m thinking about what’s happening on the outside of the maze, I’ll make mistakes.
Plus, I can’t stomach the thought of any additional harm coming to Ro because I’m not there to protect her.
The only way to keep her safe is to have her with me.
Fuck.
“Also, you’ll have to wear this.” Armand beckons Yugo, and his husband pulls a gold necklace from somewhere in the folds of his loin cloth.
I wrinkle my nose at the thought of touching anything that’s been stored in someone’s underpants, but the grossness of it isn’t my greatest concern.
That’s a Valonite necklace.
