Page 11 of Her Gargoyle Captor

His pathetic friends snicker, elbowing each other. My claws itch to rip their throats out.

"Selling you off was the best thing I ever did," Berand continues, emboldened by his audience. "My only mistake was not making sure you were dead."

Serena's face pales and she looks so small, so vulnerable, that she doesn't even flinch when the human raises his fist and slams it into her cheek.

But all I see is the red I'm about to paint these fucking walls with.

8

SERENA

Chapter 8

Serena

Before I can even process Berand's cruel words or the stinging pain blooming across my cheek, Kael's massive form becomes a blur of motion. His chiseled body slams into Berand with such force that I can feel the impact in my bones. My former lover flies through the air like a ragdoll, hurtling toward the tavern wall.

"By the gods!"

The sickening crunch of bone meeting unyielding stone reverberates through the room, making my stomach churn. My eyes widen in shock as I watch Berand's limp form slide down the wall, leaving a gruesome smear of crimson in his wake. It's as if time slows for a moment, and then chaos erupts around us. Patrons scramble frantically, overturning chairs and tables in their desperate attempt to escape the sudden violence.

My heart pounds in my chest as Kael's imposing frame turns toward me. His icy eyes, usually so controlled, now blaze with aprimal fury that both terrifies and thrills me. His piercing gaze sweeps over my body, and I can almost feel the heat of it as he searches for any sign that Berand might have hurt me further.

A weak groan from Berand's direction snaps me back to reality. I turn my head, watching as he stirs pathetically, his fingers scrabbling against the floor as he attempts to push himself up. Part of me wants to go to him, to help him despite everything he's done. But I stay rooted to the spot, caught between Kael's protective presence and the man who betrayed me.

"Looks like the little worm's still breathing," Kael growls. "Shall I remedy that?"

My heart races, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through my veins. "Make the bastard pay, Kael."

"With pleasure, little mate."

He stalks toward Berand, each step sending tremors through the wooden floor. I watch, transfixed, as my savior becomes an avenging demon.

I glance at Berand, memories of his cruelty flashing through my mind. The fear, the pain, the desperate flight through the forest. My fists clench at my sides, nails digging into my palms as rage courses through me. Every betrayal, every lie he told me, burns like acid in my veins.

"And Kael," I add, my voice low and dangerous. "No mercy."

A wicked grin spreads across Kael's face, his amber eyes glowing with savage delight. "That's my girl," he purrs, the approval in his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

The tavern basement descends into utter chaos. Bodies slam against each other as patrons scramble for the exits, their screams piercing the air. Chairs topple and glasses shatter in their wake, the sound of breaking wood and crystal adding to the cacophony. The acrid stench of fear mingles with spilled ale, making my nose wrinkle in disgust.

Kael's massive stone hand wraps around Berand's throat, lifting him off the ground as if he weighs nothing. My former lover's feet dangle uselessly, his face turning an alarming shade of purple. His eyes bulge, filled with the same terror I felt when he sold me to the elves. Part of me relishes his fear, even as another part recoils at my own darkness.

"You dare strike what's mine?" Kael's voice rumbles like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the building. His wings unfurl, casting us in shadow as he looms over Berand's pathetic form. "You'll wish for death before I'm done with you, worm."

His fist slams into Berand's gut. The impact echoes through the now-empty tavern. Berand's eyes bulge, a strangled wheeze escaping his lips.

Kael doesn't stop. Another blow. And another. Each punch lands with sickening force.

"Please," Berand gasps between hits. "Serena, make him stop!"

I freeze, my heart pounding. Part of me wants to look away, but I can't tear my eyes from the scene.

"I'm sorry," Berand pleads, blood and spittle flying from his lips. "I'm so sorry, Serena. Tell him to let me live. Please!"

His words twist something inside me. How many times had I begged him? For kindness, for understanding, for basic human decency? And now he has the audacity to beg me?

I look into his eyes, searching for any hint of genuine remorse. There's nothing there but self-preservation. He'd say anything to save his own skin.

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