Page 64 of Taken By Touch and Torment

I wrote the first thing that came to mind.

You are the only thing that feels different in a world that never changes.

He would recognize my handwriting, too. Was that enough? Technically Durian could be forcing my hand, but that could be true no matter what I said.

Scarlett, baby. Fuck. My Little Flame.

The words were messy and quick, and they tore through me like a thousand blades.

You’re drained. Your heart was beating so slowly earlier. Now it’s working too hard. Baby, please calm down for me.

I scribbled back just as quick.

Sure, I’ll get right on that.

I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m just so sorry. I’ve almost damned Valentin dozens of times since you were taken, gone on rampages through the born districts until I found my way to you.

I was conflicted. I thought he hadn’t saved me because he hadn’t loved me anymore, and he believed I was here of my own accord. Anger sprouted now. I’d suffered for weeks while he’d loved me from afar.

I knew it was more complicated than that. I knew that despite the way I saw him—the way the whole island saw him—as a dark god, he was not unstoppable. He was protecting more than just me. I knew he had a duty to his people, to innocent mortals, to all other slaves. I knew that if he damned Valentin for me, I’d never forgive myself or him. And if he’d ever acted rashly and failed, he could’ve jeopardized my safety even more.

He had tried to save me. He’d broken orders from the kingdom to do so.

I knew that he must’ve hated himself right now. And I refused to add another morsel of hatred to his pile, to this world.

I know, Rune. I know you’ve been driving yourself insane.

There was a pause, then he started writing again, quicker than ever.

How do you have Kole’s journal?

I imagined his wrathful eyes, his beautiful cruelty.

Durian gave me to Kole for the night. I got him elixir drunk and searched his room. He’s asleep. Does it matter how? We’re wasting time.

Kole is in the palace? Spineless fuck. You’re right—it doesn’t matter.

A brief pause.

I thought I had you today. You were in my arms. I thought I was taking you home.

I was barely cognizant of Rosalind’s presence anymore. She was half watching Kole and half nosily peeking over my shoulder. The wound from Rune’s knife in my heart tore open, his words dancing over my ribs.

Scarlett, Durian is an illusionist, if you don’t already know. Visions. Distortions of reality.

The message slammed into me, and for a moment I couldn’t catch my breath.

Breathe, sweet girl. Breathe.

My perception of recent events warped. I thought I’d been going insane. Durian had been making me feel like I was going insane.

Breathing…

Good girl. I would spend hours writing to you if I could. Begging for your forgiveness. Explaining everything. But I need you to put this journal back exactly where you found it as soon as possible. I will not risk your life more than it is already in peril.

This felt too good to be true. His words melted through my betrayal and my grief, inducing a state that was equal parts dubious and relieved. No matter how feverishly I’d tried to rid myself of Rune, I knew even when his hands were wrapped around my throat that I would die loving him.

Scarlett, I need you to make it to Black Sapphire, Durian’s club in Hatham. Tell me if that is at all possible.

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