Page 52 of Taken By Touch and Torment

“Now. Let’s go,” I ordered.

Everyone wielded their gifts to maximize this short window of time. Born shields crumbled, skin was afflicted with poison, and Uriah sliced through flesh. My shadows darkened the air once more.

We wouldn’t be able to use Dev’s glamour for long, not on this many of us. Kole looked utterly mystified by our coordinated display. It was incredible—the kingdom’s utter disbelief when faced with our power and skill, no matter how many times we reigned triumphant.

I moved with vampiric speed toward Kole, toward her.

Her scent overpowered my senses so undeniably that I had to hold my breath as my fingers brushed her trembling body. I snatched her away with lightning quickness, holding her tight to my chest.

My shadows rotted the land, turned the skies obsidian. It took considerable effort not to let them feast on flesh. I was not merely Scarlett’s Dark God. I was Valentin’s too.

Shouts of frustration followed us all the way to our shadowbirds, who had sensed us coming and were ready for flight. They met us halfway across the field. Strangely, Millie didn’t so much as sniff the air when I hoisted Scarlett onto her back. She accepted her presence immediately. How could she not? When Scarlett was merely an extension of me, our souls forever intertwined.

“Up,” I commanded.

And we were soaring. My heart was in my throat, fear and adrenaline affecting me in a way they hadn’t done since I was human. I held Scarlett tight to my chest.

She didn’t speak, only leaned back into me, breathing rapidly.

“Are you injured, baby?” was all I could manage as relief coursed through my veins the higher we soared. I was careful to keep my touch minimal, only keeping her close to me for her safety.

She still didn’t speak. And I didn’t force her.

“Scarlett I—” There was so much I needed to say, and none of it was appropriate to throw at her yet. “You’re safe. I love you, and you’re safe.”

She twisted around in my arms. Fog obscured the ground below, the distance we were putting between us and Durian.

“Hi, sweet girl,” I murmured, staring into her big blue eyes as my jaw trembled with raw emotion. I couldn’t help but stroke the side of her face, trail her cheekbone with the faintest touch. “You’re?—”

My heart hammered. I blinked. My grip around Scarlett tightened, unable to make sense of what I was seeing.

Scarlett was fading.

She smiled. Her piercing eyes turned to onyx. I could no longer feel her skin underneath my fingertips.

I reached for the empty air in front of me. I peered over Millie. To my left, Mason and Uriah stared at me in horror.

I unleashed a feral, guttural roar.

Scarlett was gone.

I reached for that invisible leash that tethered her to me, and I realized instantly what had happened.

Scarlett had never been in my arms at all.

23

SCARLETT

Inestled into Rune’s arms, his shadows wrapping around me as I listened to the steady beat of his heart.

“You still love me,” I whispered.

I felt that steady river of deep, undeniable obsession course through my veins. Evidence that somehow, beyond all logic and reason, Rune hadn’t forsaken me.

I cried into his chest, gripping him hard, praying he would never let me go again.

“Wake up, pet.”

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