Page 19 of Captive Heart

I stare at her in disbelief. "An amulet?"

My heart sinks as I realize that I've been played for a fool. I've been wearing a powerful ancient amulet of amplification this whole time, and I had no idea. No wonder Brin wanted me to take it so badly. She probably didn't want Viccar to get his slimy hands on it.

But before I can say anything else, Nindre continues. "Zoldryn has been using you for the amulet's magic."

I feel a cold chill run down my spine. Is that why I've been feeling so weak and tired lately? Is that why Zoldryn has been so insistent on keeping me close?

I try to push the thought away, but it's like a dark cloud hanging over me. I can't shake the feeling that I've been used and manipulated by everyone around me.

And now, I'm at the mercy of Nindre and her dragon shifter friends. I don't know what they want from me, but I have a feeling it's not going to be good.

I take a deep breath and try to steady myself. I need to think clearly and come up with a plan. But before I can do anything, Nindre speaks again.

"What? Did you think he actually cared for you?" her smirk of satisfaction intensifies as she realizes I did. "You poor, stupid creature. Zoldryn wants to overthrow the Elder but needed the amplification power to succeed."

No, I tell myself as my heart shatters behind my ribcage. He cares, he… He cares about me.

Nindre's words hit me like a punch to the gut. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Zoldryn has been using me this whole time? For the amulet's power?

I try to deny it, to tell myself that Nindre is lying, but deep down I know she's telling the truth. My heart feels heavy in my chest as I realize that I've been nothing more than a pawn in Zoldryn's game. He never cared about me, not really. He only cared about the power I could give him.

Nindre's voice cuts through my thoughts. "That's why he wanted to save you so badly. He had no clue that you weren't the source of amplification. That you're nothing more than a pathetic human."

I feel a surge of anger at her words. How dare she talk to me like that? I may be human, but I'm not pathetic. I've survived slavery, I've escaped from my master, and I've managed to stay alive in a world full of dragon shifters. I'm not weak.

But before I can say anything, Nindre offers me a deal. "If you help me kill Zoldryn with the amulet, I'll set you free."

I stare at her in disbelief. Is she serious? Can I trust her?

I think back to Zoldryn's fierce hatred for the Elder, the way he talked about overthrowing him. It's true that Zoldryn wants power, and it's possible that he's been using me to get it.

But can I really betray him like this? Can I kill him in cold blood?

Isn't that what he would have done when he had no more use for you? Once he discovered the amulet held the true power?

I don't know what to do. My head is spinning with confusion and anger and betrayal. I need time to think, to figure out what my next move should be.

But one thing is clear: I can't trust anyone in this world. Not Zoldryn, not Nindre, not anyone. I'm on my own, and I need to find a way to survive.

"Why not kill me and take the amulet for yourself," I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nindre's eyes narrow as she studies me, her lips curling into a smirk. "If it was that easy, you would be dead already."

She steps closer, staring at where the pendant rests on my chest. "It's enchanted to only work for whoever the wearer gives it to."

I feel a sudden weight lift off my shoulders as I realize the truth. The amulet has been protecting me this whole time, keeping me safe from harm.

Nindre's expression turns impatient. "You can either continue to be a pawn in Zoldryn's game, or you can join me and take control of your own destiny."

I hesitate, unsure of what to do. On one hand, I don't trust Nindre. She's been nothing but cruel to me since the moment we met. But on the other hand, at least she's been honest.

Has anything Zoldryn has done contained a shred of truth?

17

ZOLDRYN

Istorm into the throne room, my long strides echoing off the stone walls. The Elder sits on his obsidian throne, a smug look on his face. "You summoned me?" I ask, my voice laced with irritation.

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