Page 123 of Crowned In Venom

A sharp kick slams into my ribs.

I collapse, the air ripped from my lungs.

Pain explodes across my side, but I barely feel it.

Only rage.

Only desperation.

The last thing I see before the guards drag him away?—

His still face.

His bloodstained body.

And then—he’s gone.

The doors slam shut.

I am left alone.

With her.

I pant, my ribs aching, my vision blurring.

The Matriarch stands over me.

For the first time, her smile falters.

Her rage is palpable now.

"You should be dead."

Her voice is low. Cold.

"I should kill you right here."

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to sit up, my body screaming in protest.

"Then do it," I spit, blood dripping from my lips.

"Kill me."

She watches me, silent for a moment.

Then—

She laughs.

A slow, vicious sound.

"No."

Her boot slams onto my chest, pinning me to the floor.

I gasp, pain lancing through my ribs.

"I want my son to witness your death."

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