8. Serena
Before I can even process Berand's cruel words or the stinging pain blooming across my cheek, Kael's massive form becomes a blur of motion. His chiseled body slams into Berand with such force that I can feel the impact in my bones. My former lover flies through the air like a ragdoll, hurtling toward the tavern wall.
"By the gods!"
The sickening crunch of bone meeting unyielding stone reverberates through the room, making my stomach churn. My eyes widen in shock as I watch Berand's limp form slide down the wall, leaving a gruesome smear of crimson in his wake. It's as if time slows for a moment, and then chaos erupts around us. Patrons scramble frantically, overturning chairs and tables in their desperate attempt to escape the sudden violence.
My heart pounds in my chest as Kael's imposing frame turns toward me. His icy eyes, usually so controlled, now blaze with a primal fury that both terrifies and thrills me. His piercing gaze sweeps over my body, and I can almost feel the heat of it as he searches for any sign that Berand might have hurt me further.
A weak groan from Berand's direction snaps me back to reality. I turn my head, watching as he stirs pathetically, his fingers scrabbling against the floor as he attempts to push himself up. Part of me wants to go to him, to help him despite everything he's done. But I stay rooted to the spot, caught between Kael's protective presence and the man who betrayed me.
"Looks like the little worm's still breathing," Kael growls. "Shall I remedy that?"
My heart races, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through my veins. "Make the bastard pay, Kael."
"With pleasure, little mate."
He stalks toward Berand, each step sending tremors through the wooden floor. I watch, transfixed, as my savior becomes an avenging demon.
I glance at Berand, memories of his cruelty flashing through my mind. The fear, the pain, the desperate flight through the forest. My fists clench at my sides, nails digging into my palms as rage courses through me. Every betrayal, every lie he told me, burns like acid in my veins.
"And Kael," I add, my voice low and dangerous. "No mercy."
A wicked grin spreads across Kael's face, his amber eyes glowing with savage delight. "That's my girl," he purrs, the approval in his voice sending a shiver down my spine.
The tavern basement descends into utter chaos. Bodies slam against each other as patrons scramble for the exits, their screams piercing the air. Chairs topple and glasses shatter in their wake, the sound of breaking wood and crystal adding to the cacophony. The acrid stench of fear mingles with spilled ale, making my nose wrinkle in disgust.
Kael's massive stone hand wraps around Berand's throat, lifting him off the ground as if he weighs nothing. My former lover's feet dangle uselessly, his face turning an alarming shade of purple. His eyes bulge, filled with the same terror I felt when he sold me to the elves. Part of me relishes his fear, even as another part recoils at my own darkness.
"You dare strike what's mine?" Kael's voice rumbles like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the building. His wings unfurl, casting us in shadow as he looms over Berand's pathetic form. "You'll wish for death before I'm done with you, worm."
His fist slams into Berand's gut. The impact echoes through the now-empty tavern. Berand's eyes bulge, a strangled wheeze escaping his lips.
Kael doesn't stop. Another blow. And another. Each punch lands with sickening force.
"Please," Berand gasps between hits. "Serena, make him stop!"
I freeze, my heart pounding. Part of me wants to look away, but I can't tear my eyes from the scene.
"I'm sorry," Berand pleads, blood and spittle flying from his lips. "I'm so sorry, Serena. Tell him to let me live. Please!"
His words twist something inside me. How many times had I begged him? For kindness, for understanding, for basic human decency? And now he has the audacity to beg me?
I look into his eyes, searching for any hint of genuine remorse. There's nothing there but self-preservation. He'd say anything to save his own skin.
"You were never sorry before," I say, my voice steady despite the trembling in my hands. "Why start now?"
Berand's eyes bulge, face purpling as he chokes out another plea. "S-Serena... please... I'll do anything..."
My stomach churns. The pathetic display before me is a far cry from the man who once held such power over me. Now he's nothing but a sniveling coward.
Kael's gaze locks onto mine, his head cocked in silent question. The choice is mine. My heart races, power thrumming through my veins.
I sigh, waving a dismissive hand. "I'm bored of his lies. He'd say anything to save his own skin."
"As you wish." Kael's lips curl into a feral grin.
Before I can blink, his massive hands grip Berand's head. With a sickening crunch and a spray of crimson, Berand's head separates from his body.
I gasp, shocked by the sudden brutality. But Kael isn't finished.
His claws tear into Berand's lifeless form, rending flesh from bone. The wet sounds of tearing meat fill the air, mingling with Kael's animalistic growls.
"Fucking bastard," Kael snarls between strikes. "Dared to touch what's mine."
I watch, transfixed by the display of raw strength and violence. My stomach should churn, but instead, a thrill races down my spine.
"That's for selling her," Kael roars, ripping an arm free. "And that's for striking her." A leg follows.
When it's over, what remains of Berand is little more than a pile of meat and bone. Kael stands over his handiwork, chest heaving, covered in gore.
And I've never been more fucking turned on in my life.