Page 48 of Surrendered to Mate

Darana's eyes widen with fear as I produce the same wicked knife she used on Faye. I trace it along her skin, not quite breaking the surface. "How does it feel, Darana? To be helpless? To know that pain is coming and you can't stop it?"

I make a cut along her arm, watching as blood wells up. Darana screams, the sound echoing off the cave walls. I lean in close, my voice a deadly whisper. "I will give you every mark you left on Faye."

I continue, methodically repaying every injury I can see on Faye's body. Darana's screams turn to whimpers, then to broken sobs. And once her skin is carved up and blood, I unleash my magic.

I break every bone that is not snapped in Faye's body in two places so she feels the pain two fold. I rip her muscles, I tear through her skin, I puncture her lungs myself, grinning as she sputters and coughs up blood.

When I'm done, I step back, surveying my work.

"We're not finished yet," I growl, scooping her up roughly. I unfurl my wings and launch us into the air, soaring out of the cave and over the dense forest.

Darana struggles weakly in my arms as we climb higher. "Where are you taking me?"

I look down at her, my eyes cold. "Somewhere you can think about what you've done. For however long you survive."

Without warning, I release her. Darana plummets towards the forest floor, her scream fading as she falls. I watch dispassionately as she disappears into the canopy, knowing the forest's predators will find her soon enough.

I turn back towards the cave, my thoughts already on Faye. I won't let anyone threaten her again. She's mine to protect now, and I'll tear apart anyone who dares to harm her.

23

CASSIUS

Irush back to the cave, my heart pounding with an unfamiliar urgency. As I land, I'm hit by the metallic scent of Faye's blood, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to lose it. And surprisingly, it's not bloodlust that is threatening to undo me.

"Faye," I whisper, kneeling beside her broken form.

My hands hover over her body, afraid to touch her, to cause more pain. Her skin is pale, almost translucent, and mottled with bruises. Deep gashes crisscross her arms and legs, still oozing blood. Her breathing is shallow and ragged, each inhale a struggle.

"Fuck," I mutter, carefully brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin is cold and clammy under my touch.

I've seen countless injuries in my long life, but none have affected me like this. A knot forms in my chest, tight and suffocating. Is this... fear?

I assess her injuries with growing dread. Multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, possible organ damage. It's too much. Too severe.

"Come on, sweetheart," I murmur, cradling her face gently. "Don't you dare die on me."

But even as I say it, I know conventional healing won't be enough. The realization hits me like a physical blow, and for the first time in centuries, I feel truly helpless.

I've faced countless enemies, survived wars and betrayals, but nothing has prepared me for this. The thought of losing Faye, of watching her slip away, fills me with a despair so profound it threatens to consume me.

"I can't lose you," I whisper, my voice breaking. "Not when I've just found you."

Faye's eyelids flutter, and a soft groan escapes her lips. My heart leaps at the sound.

"Faye? Can you hear me, sweetheart?"

Her eyes crack open, unfocused and clouded with pain. "Cass...ius?"

Relief floods through me, but it's short-lived. I can hear her heartbeat weakening, her breaths becoming more labored.

"Listen to me, Faye. You're dying." My voice cracks on the last word. "There's only one way to save you, but... it'll change everything."

I take a shaky breath, steeling myself for what comes next.

"I can Change you. Make you like me. A vrakken." The words tumble out, urgent and heavy. "But it's not an easy process, and there's no going back."

Faye's eyes widen slightly, a flicker of understanding in their depths.

---