Page 119 of The Oracle of Dusk

He pulled on her. Aurora stood her ground.

“No.”

“Aurora, don’t be stubborn about this. I don’t know what I’ve done to earn your displeasure these past few days, but we have important matters to discuss.”

“I saw you get married to Princess Epicasta.”

He stilled, horror and rage sweeping over his features.

“I won’t let that happen.”

“I had a vision. Orithyia forced it out of me in front of the whole royal court.”

What did it matter if either of them strived against it now? Flora had seen a future she wanted. Aurora suspected all who opposed it would pay in blood, and she was tired of hurting.

“No,” he said, his vehemence palpable. His magic washed over her, coiling around her in threat.

“I suppose congratulations are in order,” she hissed. How dare he be angry with her—threaten her—when he was the one in the wrong?

“Walk away now, Aurora. While I still have some self-control,” he growled.

“No,youwalk away! All your fucking attempts to seduce me, all your bluster about how much you hate her, and you’re still going to marry her!” Aurora shouted back. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a fair accusation. She wanted to scour him from her heart, rid thoughts of him from her mind—she wanted to be free of him and all the pain. And if he was going to hurt her, she would show him her fangs.

He rounded on her, gripping her upper arms in an unbreakable hold.

“I would rather be dead than marry that vile bitch!”

“Liar! I hate you! I hope you’re miserable for the rest of your fucking life!”

Just like she would be.

“Unfeeling vermin!” he hissed.

“Loathsome snake!”

“You are the most ungrateful wench in the whole of Trisia! How many times have I saved your life?!” he yelled.

“All so you could use and trap me! You have no honour!”

“I sacrificed my life to save you from humiliation!” he shook her.

“And then you broke my heart, you monster! I should have let the monstrosities eat you!” she stomped on his foot.

He swore, crushing her to him and lifting her off her feet. She pushed at him, beating her fists against his chest as he laughed at her pitiful attempts to hurt him. Her magic roared to life.

“I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”

“That’s right, you vicious little beast. Let me see you angry!”

“Disgusting pervert!”

His grin was feral.

Theron pulled her head towards his, lips a hairsbreadth from hers. His hot breath made little clouds in the cold rain, warming her lips. She gasped. His golden eyes sparkled with lust, capturing her gaze and holding her captive.

“I’ll take every last year from you,” she threatened, her heart hammering in her chest.

His hand slid up her thighs, a warm brand on her backside as he squeezed. She fought a groan. His thumb swept lazily against her, pressing against her hip.

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