Chapter 30
KYLER
“You thought you’d be clever, didn’t you? You nearly succeeded too. If you had stayed within the magic, I never would have detected that the spell was compromised.” Vex paces the quarters.
I’m chained naked to the table bolted to the floor.
I’ve tried before to make the cuffs budge, always failing and ending up with bruised and bloodied hands.
But now, I’ve tasted freedom, and I’ll do whatever it takes to reclaim it.
Ailey told me during one of our chats that I can’t be bound by blood a second time if the first binding is removed.
I just have to bide my time. Unfortunately, Vex has chained the hand with all my fingers, so I can’t just shimmy the cuff off.
“You nearly destroyed all my plans,” Vex snarls.
“And what were those plans of yours?” I ask.
Vex laughs, the sound sharp and mocking. “As if I’d tell you. No. I don’t think so.”
It was worth the try, I shrug. “At least tell me what you’ll do with me.”
“Why? So you can form a new plan? Again, don’t think so.” Sweat drips from Vex’s brow, and I realize something—he’s scared. Of what, I have no idea.
“Why have you never sent me for the phoenix stone before?” Maybe Vex will tell me that at least.
His laugh grates on my nerves, and I scowl.
“You never had anything you were willing to sacrifice before. Give you over to a prince, let you fall in love. That was enough, wasn’t it?
A few days with someone who treated you more than a pet, and you were hooked like the little worm you are.
You gave up your freedom and somehow found yourself free from me.
” Vex slams his hand on the table, and I jump at the force of it.
He yanks me to my feet. “Don’t think this changes things. You’re still my pet, boy.”
“But you can’t keep me like before. As soon as you—”
The slap rings through the room, and blood fills my mouth. I spit in Vex’s face. Another slap to the other cheek sends pain radiating through me as I struggle to stay on my feet. I spit again, spraying his face.
“I suppose I’ll have to keep you chained to my bed, or give you a room of your own.”
I will not be used again. Not by Vex, not by the crew for their so-called rewards. “I’d rather not be shared anymore. I’d rather dedicate my holes to you.” The words spill from my mouth, and I have an idea, one I hope will work, but the thought of what I’ll have to do makes my stomach twist.