Page 77 of A Bond in Blood

A rage-filled scream replied, and the earth shook from the force.

“Brenna, get the fuck back to the palace!” Olen ordered.

I nodded, despite the beast not being able to see my silent acknowledgement and I ran. Faster than I had run to the beach, tripping on my dripping gown as I went. Tears heavier than before.

The red moon guided me on my journey, a protection for the woman born under its magic.

When I reached the palace, I stood in the foyer, unsure of where to go. Who to run to.

My mind reeled and my chest burned when I made my decision. Picking up my skirts, I rushed through the palace toward the stairs at the back. Hoping to the Gods I wasn’t a fool for my plan.

My feet slipped on the damp stairs leading to the dungeons and I flew down the hall, startling the guard asleep in his chair.

“What in the Gods?” they groaned.

“He’s coming,” I sobbed.

The guard was on his feet but instead of helping me, he ran back up the stairs. Leaving me in the dark prison.

I scoffed, running to my assigned cell. To my relief it was open when I reached it. To my dismay, I realized I did not have the keys to lock myself in.

The palace shook and the lights went out. Turning the room black instantly.

Then it approached.

His cold.

His power.

So much more terrifying than it had ever been.

“Brenna,” his voice sang in the darkness. “We were not done.”

“Please!” I replied, my voice echoing throughout the dungeons. “Please.”

I pressed my back against the cell wall, jumping at the sound of the metal gate slamming open.

The energy of his might took the air from my lungs, the wall behind me cracked with the force of his shadows pressing against me.

“I will not kill you.” His voice was so close but I could see nothing through the thick fog of darkness. “Not tonight.”

My body dropped and the red moon returned through the window. I sobbed, watching the mass of shadows retreating, leaving me in the cell with the gate now mangled at the side.

The dungeon grew silent around me while my body curled into itself, attempting to warm the freeze taking over.

My eyes closed and my tears fell. I would freeze in that spot, but I didn’t care.

Arms lifted me into the air, pressing me against a broad and warm chest. I leaned into Olen, gripping his shirt. Not having to look up to know it as him with his braids tickling my face.

“Princess,” he muttered. “What happened?”

“I just wanted to be clean,” I muttered. “I just wanted to be clean.”

Chapter 18

Iwoke in a strange bed, not recognizing the red comforter covering me.

Until I turned my head and found Olen. Snoring like a beast.

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