But for what purpose? A few minutes later, my neck prickled as we emerged abruptly into a massive cavern, firelight reflecting off of what looked like polished obsidian. Far overhead, stalactites dripped onto intricate tiles spanning a dizzying distance. This had to be an impossible buried fortr
Nina The bars of the strange cell must have been made of silver, because they burned my flesh when I reached through for Enzo. I winced, reluctantly pulling back from his touch. “Enzo,” I panted, “what-what’s going on here?” “Nina, Luke, why did you risk everything to come here?” Enzo stood, s
I chewed on my fingernails, exchanging another terrified glance with Luke. “So she thinks you’re her own personal stallion, basically,” I said. “You’re right. That is madness.” “Yeah, well, she’ll have to kill me first before I father anything for her,” Enzo hissed, leaning his head back on the wa
Nina “To the death.” Enzo and I took a step back, eyeing Mila cautiously. “To the death?” Enzo scoffed. “Mila, are you insane?” “No.” She shrugged, checking her crimson nails. “Not insane. It’s tradition.” “Enlighten us, then,” I hissed. I had absolutely no intention of battling my own hus
Nina Luke’s sudden, unexpected offer sent a cold shiver of fear down my spine. “Luke, that’s ridiculous,” I breathed, letting out a wry chuckle that sounded hollow even to my own ears. “My champion? Are you kidding?” But Luke simply shook his head. “I’m serious, Nina. This could be the only wa
When I looked down at my hands, there were two burnt marks along my palms. Luke cursed under his breath, raking a hand through his blond hair in frustration. “Nina,” he pleaded, “I took a vow to protect you when we first met. I’ve never broken that vow.” “Luke—” “No. Listen to me, Nina.” His s
Nina My eyes widened as a small trickle of blood made its way down Enzo’s neck. “Stop!” I shrieked, my voice having more power in it than I expected after a long night of misery. “Please, don’t hurt him.” “It’s okay, Nina.” Enzo’s voice was more hoarse than mine. “I’ll be okay.” But it was c
Mila’s ruby eyes flashed with momentary annoyance. “If your champion prevails, I will… consider releasing them,” she hissed coldly. “But she must remain here, bound, for the duration of the fight. I can’t have her scurrying away like a rat.” Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “How can I trust you?” he growled.