Page 11 of The Death King

“Yes, you can.” Her tears started to fall. “Because I would leave you. In a heartbeat. This place is so horrific…and I know it’s even more horrific for you. So, just go.” She pulled away, her bottom lip trembling. “Go, Calista.”

Was she telling a lie to make me go? Or was it the cold hard truth? I would probably never know. I rushed into her and gave her a tight hug, squeezing her hard because I knew this was the last time we’d ever be together. She would probably die out there while I moved on to a new life.

She squeezed me back.

The guard barked at me. “Don’t make me ask you again.”

I pulled away. “Take care of yourself, Amelia.”

She smiled, and this time, it seemed real. “You too, Calista.”

I averted my gaze as I turned away and focused on the ladder ahead of me, the ladder that would take me out of the pit for the very last time. Never again would I have to climb down. Never again would I have to pick up a shovel. Never again would I have to be violated by that son of a bitch.

I climbed to the top and straightened, looking out across the endless desert. Gusts of wind blew everywhere, splashing sand straight into my eyes, but it was a mere annoyance when I felt this much jubilation.

They escorted me into the compound, a structure made of stone, an oasis in the middle of nowhere. The guards served half a year at a time to make the arduous journey worth it. General Titan had been here far longer because he’d been appointed to oversee the project entirely. I wasn’t sure what kind of man would accept such a horrible job, especially permanently.

I stepped into the shade, the temperature instantly ten degrees cooler without the sun, and I closed my eyes to relish the cold. All the aches and pains in my body suddenly frothed to the surface when I no longer had to suppress them. If I had a laborious job in the Empire, at least I would be paid for it. I had no idea how I would start over or where I would go, but I knew that adventure would be far better than this one.

We entered a study with a large desk and several bookcases. There was even a fireplace, which seemed out of place in the desert. The nights could be cold, so cold that ice crystals formed on the surface of the sand, but I would take the frozen nights over the scorching days anytime.

At the desk was General Titan, sitting upright with several missives scattered around him. When he looked up, his gaze tightened in slight surprise, not expecting to see me, of all people. Last night, he’d tied my wrists behind my back and forced my face into the sheets as he fucked me from behind. All I did was lie there, practically dead, just to make it as boring as possible. But I’d discovered there was nothing I could do to make him want me less. Bruises on my face weren’t a deterrent. My smart mouth wasn’t either. I didn’t shower for a week straight, and I smelled like swine, but that didn’t dampen his desire whatsoever. His obsession was unconditional.

He glanced at the guard beside me, quietly asking for an explanation.

The other guard came forward and placed the black diamond on the desk. “The largest diamond we’ve ever found. The Death King will be pleased.”

I hated myself for doing anything to benefit that monster, but I was desperate for freedom. Desperate for a new life.

General Titan stared at it, his look hard in displeasure.

“We’ll arrange a caravan for her return in the morning,” the guard said. “Shall we escort her to your chambers?” The other guards used the girls for their own benefit, but General Titan was unique for having a domestic partnership with me. The others might not be able to get away with that, but since he was in charge, he could do whatever he wanted.

General Titan shifted his gaze to me. It was a cold stare packed with silent fury. I knew him well enough to know exactly what he was thinking.

I found it hard not to smile.

General Titan rose from his seat, his gray cape hanging behind him, his sword at his hip. “You can escort her back to the pit. She won’t be going anywhere.”

All the blood drained from my face as horror filled my veins. My eyes frantically shifted back and forth between his as my mind absorbed the implications of his words. “The Death King said freedom is granted to anyone who finds a black diamond?—”

“His Majesty isn’t here.” He stepped forward, his signature grin on his face, his elation from my misery apparent. “And I am.”

“You can’t do this?—”

“Get your ass back in the pit. Find all the black diamonds, I don’t give a fuck. You’re never leaving.”

“Fucking asshole.”

He nodded to the guard. “Return her to the pit.”

They started to drag me away.

“I’ll tell the Death King what you’ve done.”

General Titan had just started to turn around to return to his desk, but he pivoted back to me, eyes narrowed. “And how will you do that?”

“He’ll be here in two days—just as you said.”

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