Page 96 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

“Cut off your left hand.” I instructed her. She was sobbing but immediately started sawing her hand off at the wrist. I watched her closely until her hand hit the ground. I could hear the murmurs of the witches behind me, but I paid no attention to them.

Genia was losing a considerable amount of blood. She would die quickly, but she didn’t deserve that. So, I used my fire magic to close up her wounds, making her cry harder.

“I want you to understand that this pain you are feeling right this second will only be a fraction of what Jesper will go through.” I smiled at her when she shook her head no. “I’m tired of your existence. Gut yourself,” I demanded.

Tears fell from her eyes as she lifted the blade and slid it into her stomach and cried out in pain. My darkness hummed at the sight. Genia slid the blade up toward her neck, her guts spilling in front of her as her eyes stared into mine.

I didn’t blink until I saw the light in her eyes vanish for good. Stepping forward, I grabbed my dagger and wiped it on her dress before looking around.

“I apologize that I did not know that Genia was abusing all of you. As your queen, I vow to always protect the coven.”

The witches bowed immediately before a cheer spread through them.

“I still have a prophecy to fulfill and a curse to break, so I would appreciate it if you all could stay here until everything is safe.”

Their chatter died down, and they began whispering among themselves. Then Lyra stepped forward.

“We would like to witness the prophecy when it happens. Would it be possible to help or even watch?” She smiled.

I laughed.

“I think we can find something for you to do,” I agreed before leaving.

Chapter 26

Thea

Wisp’s bright flames were blinding when I opened my eyes. My gods, I don’t think I had ever seen her shining like this. Then she faded, and it wasn’t Wisp standing there. My mouth fell open when I realized a man was standing in the shadows. I grabbed a bronze statue and held it up.

“Back the fuck up!” I warned.

“Thea, it’s alright,” he whispered. “I’m not going to harm you.”

The tall man with dark hair and friendly brown eyes emerged from the dark with his hands held up. Relief filled me, but then irritation. He was going to tell me exactly who he was. He said Bayla had sent him, and now I knew that was my dead mother.

“Says the man who magically appeared in my room,” I hissed."A man who refuses to tell me anything about who he is."

He was glowing slightly. He had a pretty gold aura around him that made me think of Petra’s glow. He took a step toward me, and I threw the statue at him in a panic. He was much taller than me. Shit, he may be taller than Cassius. The statue went straight through him and hit the wall. My eyes widened as the man pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled before laughing.

“You’re laughing,” I scoffed. “Why did that statue go through you and not hurt you?”I asked already knowing why.

“Because I’m already dead,” he laughed harder.

“That’s funny to you?” I glared.

“It’s just that you are so much like your mother. Bayla had told me you were strong-willed, but for fuck’s sake, she didn’t say you were exactly like her."

A moment later Della appeared in my room, her hands on her hips and glaring at the man.

“You.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “Where is she?”

I glanced at Della, confused.

“Ardella, please understand that we aren’t trying to be difficult. You know, Bayla, when she wants something,she’ll do anything to get it. She needs to see Thea break her curse.”

The man looked back at me and smiled. I realized then who he was.

“You're Killian,” I whispered.

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