Page 9 of Dark Fate

It's Dani's laugh that keeps me from cracking. As long as Dani's out there, breathing and fighting, I can stick it out in this shithole.

But then Amara’s nasty claws clamp down on my face, yanking my gaze back to her twisted circus. "Keep. Watching," she hisses, each word dripping with a threat that says she's not just playing around.

A shudder runs through me as my eyes lock on the writhing bodies before me. They move, bucking and moaning, lost in the throes of passion—the dominant male buries his face in the other's neck.

The queen's voice cuts through my horrified fascination. "See how they give themselves over to pleasure? This could be you, bound in chains before my court, writhing and panting as our most skilled lovers fill you."

The thought of being violated in such a way makes my stomach churn. I keep my expression blank, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing my disgust.

She continues taunting me, her voice dripping with scorn. "Perhaps you prefer the company of men? It makes no difference to me." I wrench my face from her grasp, unable to stomach more. "Is this where your appetites lie?" She challenges.

Jaw tight, I rasp, "No. I desire only one woman."

Amara gestures to the entwined forms, both now shuddering in the throes of orgasm.

"One woman?" she laughs. "As if that's possible with you bloodsuckers. Their performance is just one of many that await you when you submit. Or you may continue to resist and endure whatever tortures I deem fit."

My skin crawls at the thought of being subjected to Amara's perverse whims. But I remain silent, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.

Her lips curve into a cruel smile. "You will break eventually. There is no escape for you here." She growls. "I may not be able to command you like these fools, but I will break you."

The guards release my head, allowing it to droop forward, but their hands remain on my shoulders, holding me in place.

Amara's voice rings out, commanding my attention."What say you, Rhyland? Will you bend your will to your queen or endure more torment?"

I raise my head, meeting her gaze defiantly. "I will never submit."

Fury smolders in her violet eyes at my defiance. She means to break me entirely to her will. But my mind and heart remain beyond her reach.

The receiver's peak hits first, his seed spilling onto the polished stone floors. The giver follows teeth bared in ecstasy. They disengage, spent momentarily.

She shrugs, an elegant gesture of indifference. "Very well. You have made your choice." she huffs, eyeing the scene before us. "I am so eager and willing to break you."

Lucian interjects casually, "Hey, I'm down for anything—dudes plowing each other? Kinda hot, honestly." He punctuates this with an exaggerated leer and eyebrow wiggle.

The queen titters are temporarily distracted. But her scrutiny swiftly returns to me. "You will learn to appreciate the pleasures I bestow, pet. In time."

Her smug certainty fuels my rage. But outwardly, I school my features into cool impassivity once more. "As you say...My Queen," I say through gritted teeth. I can feel my jaw crack from the pressure. The appellation tastes like ash on my tongue.

Another sharp slap cracks across my cheek for the rudeness in my tone. But even as scarlet welts form, I do not waver. The pain only hardens my resolve.

Her annoyance is palpable when she doesn't get a rise out of me. Her twisted entertainment can't shake me—not the way she wants. I keep my cool by hanging onto that inner sanctuary—I hold sacred space for my mate.

As Amara gets caught up, snickering and gossiping with Lucian, I've gotta admit—I owe him one. Lucian's got his game face on—charming the queen without throwing a punch. His sharp mind and silver tongue may be his secret weapons in this viper's nest.

He catches my glance, giving me that cheeky wink of his. I give him a tight nod; it's the closest thing I can muster to thanks. Crisis dodged—for the moment. But we've gotta stay sharp, not let anything about Danica slip, or we're screwed. Bullshitting's our best bet in this hellhole. Stay the course and wait for our shot.

Amara adjusts her gown. Holding a small blade, she approaches me. She traces a long nail down my cheek, across my jaw, and trails her finger down my neck. "I think it's your turn, pet."

The nauseating scent of her perfume mixed with the reek of sweat and cum. Bile surges in my throat, but I remain composed. My eyes bore coldly into hers, lips thinning in defiance. "No."

Her blade digs into my flesh, drawing blood. She grasps my crotch, rubbing cruelly against my dick. "You will obey your queen."

I remain defiant, unflinching as the blade slices deeper into my flesh. Amara issues a frustrated hiss. "Never," I spit in her face.

Amara viciously stabs the blade deep into my thigh. Burning pain spreads through my abdomen. I bellow, thrashing against the guards' hold.

She stares at me, dispassionate, watching me bleed out. "So be it."

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