Page 286 of The Sins of Silas

I shrieked in agony as the bamboo tore through, the pain so horrific I thought I might puke. I couldn't look at my hand, even though I knew the force had ripped my nail completely off.

I will not break.

I hated that I cried. Hated that the men laughed, all but Asael. I lifted my teary eyes to his, his own glassy, a look of horror on his features as he glared at Cedric.

Cedric paid him no mind and went to position the next shard. “Where is the Weapon?” he repeated.

I will not break.

Another wave of dread, and the shard was through, a guttural cry leaving my chest.

“Let me talk to her, dammit!” Asael’s voice was hoarse as he begged.

“Vince, take him out of here,” Cedric ordered as he began to position another piece of bamboo. I was trembling now, my teeth clenching down hard as I awaited the loss of another nail.

“Hold her still, Lance.”

And any shred of hope disappeared the moment Asael was pulled out of the room.

Cedric grinned. “No one here to advocate for you now,” he taunted.

I will not break.

“No, you will not, my dear.”

I blinked rapidly. Was someone speaking to me in my head?

I was hoping to hear from Kayin, but this voice was masculine. Familiar. Not Torrin. Not Igon.

My vision was blurry from all the tears, from the stars in my vision, but just behind Cedric stood a man.

I couldn't make out his face, only the bright white light swirling around his limbs.

I blinked over and over. His hair was dark brown, and his skin was fair—I could tell that much. His eyes glowed the same color as the magic surrounding his arms…magic as bright as moonlight.

I let out a breathy whisper. “Who are you?”

Lance and Cedric's brows drew together, and they glanced over their shoulders.

Lance snorted. “Looks like the pain is causing her to hallucinate.”

I kept my eyes on the mysterious man. His gaze drifted over the two men, his lip curling.

I wailed as the last nail on my right hand was removed.

“Where. Is. The. Weapon?”

“Rot in hell.” I spat right in Cedric's face. That made the man with the white glow's lips turn upward.

“I guess you require more drastic measures.”

The glowing man began to fade.

“Who are you?” I whispered.

The unknown man's gaze raked over me.“When you figure that out, you will be freed.”

“Wait! WAIT!” I cried.

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