Page 66 of Blood Caged

I stand frozen, my mind racing as Lucien’s words sink in. The implications of what he’s suggesting turn my stomach, but I force my face to remain impassive. I can’t betray my horror, not now.

“Lucien,” I say, keeping my voice steady, “are you sure this is the best course of action? We’ve invested time and resources in these witches. Disposing of them seems…wasteful.”

Lucien’s eyes narrow as he turns to me. “Are you questioning my judgment, Daire?”

I choose my next words carefully. “Not at all. I’m simply considering the practical implications. If we lose them, we lose valuable blood sources.”

“Don’t overestimate their value to me, Daire. I can have them replaced like that.” He snaps his fingers. “As for our dear Mia,” Lucien continues, turning back to the cell, “you’re far too valuable to dispose of, my dear. Your blood is…special. But don’t think that means you’ll escape punishment.”

Mia’s face pales, but her eyes remain rebellious. “You won’t break us,” she spits.

“You’re already broken, stupid girl.” Lucien waves a dismissive hand at her before turning his attention to me. “Get to it, Daire. Get rid of them.”

I go rigid. I’ve done terrible things in my long life, but this…this is different. These aren’t nameless victims or enemy combatants. These are women I’ve come to know, however peripherally.

I force myself to nod, keeping my face an expressionless mask. “Of course, Lord Marlowe.”

As I move toward the cell, I can feel Heath’s eyes boring into me. This is a test, I realize. Lucien wants to see if I’ll balk, if I’ll show any hint of sympathy or hesitation. One wrong move, and everything I’ve worked for, every small kindness I’ve managed to implement in this godforsaken place, will be undone. Not to mention that Maxwell will certainly be the one to suffer the effects of my failure. I can’t have that.

I’ve been a soldier, a killer, a monster. I’ve told myself that I’ve changed, that I’m better now. But am I? Can I really do this?

Sabine and Jemma shrink back as I approach, fear radiating off them in waves.

“No, Soren, you can’t! I’m begging you!” Mia’s desperate pleas fill the air, but I force myself to tune them out. I can’t afford to let her words sway me, not now.

“Please,” Sabine whispers as I grab her good arm. “Don’t do this.”

I meet her eyes for a brief moment, and in that instant, I see a lifetime of hopes and dreams all about to be snuffed out by my hand. The guilt is overwhelming, threatening to choke me.

But I can’t stop. I can’t hesitate. Too much is at stake.

I roughly pull Sabine to her feet, gesturing for the guard to do the same with Jemma. As we exit the dungeon, I catch a glimpse of Mia’s face. The betrayal and horror I see there cut me to my core.

What have I become?

23

Chapter 23

Mia

Istumble as theguards shove me forward, my legs weak from hours spent huddled in that damp cell. My heart thumps against my ribcage, each beat a reminder of how spectacularly our escape attempt failed.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand, but my voice comes out rough and broken. The guards ignore me, their grip on my arms tightening painfully.

As we round another corner, my breath catches. I recognize this hallway. We’re heading toward Soren’s quarters. My dread intensifies, making it hard to breathe.

What cruel game is this? After everything that’s happened, after what Soren did to Sabine and Jemma… The memory of their terrified faces as he dragged them away makes bile rise in my throat. I trusted him. How could I have been so stupid?

We stop in front of a door, and one of the guards touches the biometric panel beside it. My mind races, trying to prepare for whatever lies beyond. Will Soren be there? The thought of facing him again after his betrayal makes my knees weak.

The door swings open, revealing a dimly lit room. Before I can process anything else, I’m shoved roughly inside. I stumble, nearly falling to my knees.

“Your new accommodations, witch,” one of the guards sneers. “Enjoy your stay.”

The door slams shut behind me, leaving me alone in Soren’s domain. My eyes dart around frantically, taking in the sparse furnishings and the complete lack of windows. This isn’t just a room – it’s another prison. I can’t believe that the last time I was here, I felt safe.

Probably because I didn’t know how much of a monster he was then.

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