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16
ARIELLA
The powerful arm around my waist releases, sending me sprawling across the cold stone floor. I sense Lord Everan above me, considering his next course of action as I collect myself, then shoot him a perplexed look.
“I’m surprised,” he says, cocking his head at me. “You really care about that creature.”
My throat closes up, but I shake my head.
We’re in a dungeon of sorts, likely somewhere deep in the bowels of his manor. I expect to hear the wails of his victims, but all is silent. For some reason, that unnerves me more. “I just thought,” I begin, finally finding my voice, “That I would have a better chance with you, Lord Everan.”
His upper lip curls to expose porcelain teeth. “Did you?”
Even as he reaches for me, I can’t help but flinch. He pauses midair, then retracts in a smooth gesture. Like he’s doing me a favor.
“Stand up.”
I do so without hesitation, managing to put a little more distance between us. Even as I’m focused on him, I take note of the exit in my peripherals and the dark hallway beyond. I’ve almost forgotten how impossibly beautiful he is, with his pale skin and obsidian hair that cascades over his broad shoulders. If he weren’t rotten to the core, I might have fallen for him, once upon a time.
His silver eyes flit briefly to the doorway. “You’re still thinking of escaping.”
“No, of course –”
“Don’t.” His warning is enough to silence me, even as he is coiled to strike. “Don’t lie to me, human. You think I can’t smell the rancor pouring off of you?
“If you wish to flee, the door is there.”
He extends a hand to the exit, a cruel smile breaking over his face.
My heart skips a beat, and I consider his offer. Hewantsme to run, to play this vicious little game of his. And I just might. I’ve learned enough from Zyranth to survive one fickle master. Why couldn’t it work on Everan?
“What is it you want?” I whisper, letting vulnerability eke into my tone.
Lord Everan seems annoyed I didn’t take the bait, showing just a glimpse of his true nature. “I want tobreakyou,” he murmurs, his tongue chasing over his perfect lips. “I want you to writhe in agony under my touch, and when you beg for the sweet release of death, I will ensure youreverlastingsuffering.”
He reaches for me again, and this time, I bolt.
I don’t know if he can make good on his word, but I’m terrified of taking that risk. And even as my heart races, I hear the echo of his laughter chasing me through the tunnels. I cut a sharp left in blind terror.
Magic fizzles.
I taste burning metal as I’m slammed into a side wall by a force beyond my capabilities, my breath knocked out of me. I scramble to my feet as the image of Lord Everan comes into view. His feet aren’t even on the floor as he floats towards me, his whole essence defying gravity. “I’m not done with you yet, Ariella. In truth, I don’t think I’ll ever be.”
I run in the opposite direction, chasing past empty cells and rooms filled with devices made only for torture. Blood still clings to the blades, and I know he has planned far worse for me. An eternity ofthis,until I’m a broken doll in his clutches.
And I’ve played right into his hand.
Between labored breaths, I come up with a plan. It’s not a good one by any measure, but I have to trust that his ego is bigger than his reason, when push comes to shove.
I skid to a stop at a dead end.
I can feel him closing in. There’s nowhere left for me to go.
“What a shame. You picked the wrong hall.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, magic condensing all around me. I let the tears fall freely as I’m dragged back into his clutches. His fingers tangle in my hair before he wrenches my head to one side, his lips pressed against my ear. “Let’s go somewhere more suitable to break this rebellious will of yours.”
Another spell swallows us, teleporting us into a velvet-lined chamber. Lord Everan refuses to let the magic fade, forcing me face down onto a wooden horse. My breath goes out of me with a whoosh as he pins me down by the nape of my neck, so the sharp corner digs into my cheek. “I’m disappointed in you. I thought you’d offer a better chase.”
