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I’m back to being the person who has nothing left to lose. The empty woman who’s ready to die.
Suddenly, Zarid gets off me and stands. However, I haven’t won. What I’ve done is pushed him too far.
I can tell because he goes dead behind the eyes. The anger leaves his face. He brings his right hand up with his palm facing outward.
A ball of fire appears there.
An orb of destruction.
He’s done with me, with this fight. He’s never had to work very hard for anything, and a woman he doesn’t even like isn’t worth his effort.
He was probably planning to kill me anyway, so I’d rather just get it over with before he can put me through any more torture.
On the bright side, if he incinerates me, at least there won’t be a body left for him to abuse, and I’ll die knowing I did something right. Not only did I defend myself until the end, but my death will ensure that Kai gets to go home.
I know he wanted so badly to save me, but maybe this is for the best.
I’m sorry, Kai, I silently apologize.I wish we could’ve had more time together.
Closing my eyes, I brace myself for total annihilation.
Ro
Instead of blazing heat and crackling flames, there’s an unexpected sound.
A wet cough.
I peek through an eyelid.
A long knife is lodged into the right side of Zarid’s throat.
His eyes are wide with surprise as he grabs the handle of the blade. Staggering back, he chokes and gurgles. When he pulls it out, blood pours from the one-inch slit. He rasps, drawing in a rough, wet breath.
Unfortunately, such a small maiming won’t kill him. It’ll just piss him off.
He pivots to his attacker behind him, and I gasp at the sight of Kai.
He’s here. He’s staggering a little, but the fact that he’s on his feet at all is astonishing. Somehow, he managed to get up through his torture, make his way down the long hall, and defend me.
And his whipping isn’t over yet.
More invisible strikes come. I can hear it every time his flesh splits open, but he barely flinches. It’s like he’s tuned them out.
When I first met him, I saw his scars as a sign of someone who’s suffered.
That’s not what they signify now.
He survived.
Kai’s a survivor, and I’m about to see just how strong he really is.
My warrior shuffles around to Zarid’s side, making the king turn to him, effectively taking my monster’s wrath off me.
The fright on Zarid’s profile is almost funny. With his mouth hanging open, he’s literally gawking at Kai’s gory state.
None of Kai’s tan skin shows through the red. Blood drips from everywhere—his hair, his beard, down his leather pants to pool around his boots.
Sword in hand, shoulders squared, and stance defensive, Kai’s voice is chillingly calm when he says, “Now, that’s no way to treat a lady. You, of all people, should have better manners,Your Majesty.”
