Chapter 38
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
Iwake on a cement floor in a room with white stone walls stained with something I’m afraid is dried blood.
The floor is cold under me, and the room is dim. There’s no window, no furniture, and as far as I can tell, the dim light doesn’t seem to come from anywhere.
My head aches, and my finger’s hot from that stupid ring, and the power that’s supposed to be inside me seems to sputter, like a car that’s run out of gas.
I almost laugh hysterically, because where the hell was that power when I needed it?
For that matter, where the hell is it now?
Because I could damn sure use a little power or magic or whatever it is that I feel chained inside me.
How do I set it free?
I don’t know. All I know is that I’m exhausted and battered and sore from a fight I only half remember.
I make myself stand. My whole body screams in protest, but I pad to the door anyway, even though I already know what I’m going to find.
Locked. Of course it is. It’s a cell not a hotel suite.
They took me, and they put me in a box, and somewhere on the other side of these walls, the two men I love have no idea where I am.
I press my palms flat against the cold stone and make myself breathe. I am Cora Lyte. I am the emperor’s last heir. I am not going to fall apart in a cell. I am going to find the cracks in this place, and I am going to get the hell out.
That’s the plan.
It lasts until the door opens and Kali walks through, smiling like a friend. The Threnir stands beside her, and I can see the hunger in its eyes as it looks at me.
“Little Queen,” she says. “You’re awake. So lovely to see you again.” She nods toward the Threnir. “I believe you know your new roommate?”
I don’t answer. I won’t give her the satisfaction of hearing the terror in my voice.
“Oh, and I’ve brought you a guest. Someone who has been waiting a very long time to see you.”
She steps aside.
A woman walks into the cell, her smile so gentle I want to weep.
“There, there, my girl. Don’t cry. You’re home now. And Mommy’s right here with you.”
End of Book 2