Page 137 of Owned

In the forest, it had been different—

But here? I was under their control.

I didn’t want to admit that I was frightened.

Scared out of my mind.

I didn’t need them to tell me what Lucian was capable of.

I knew it all too well.

Without the Black Council’s help, I wouldn’t just be Lucian’s next bride—I’d also be his next victim.

A deep sense of unease settled in my gut as I wondered how long he would allow me to live after our wedding vows had been spoken...

My mother had barely lasted a month.

Or was it less?

Why couldn’t I remember?

I shook my head and tried to concentrate, but the pain was ebbing back into my consciousness. Stronger than before.

Was allying with the Council the only way to avoid my mother’s fate?

My father had fallen to Lucian’s schemes, and my mother had walked blindly into Lucian’s arms.

They were both dead.

And I was still alive.

But it wouldn’t be a life worth living unless I could get out from under Lucian’s thumb.

But if I went along with the Council’s plans, what guarantee would I have that they wouldn’t kill me as soon as they had the chance?

What if they were just using me?

Then again…

What if they weren’t?

I had no way of knowing.

But I couldn’t let my fear dictate my choices. I couldn’t let them make these decisions for me—

I squeezed my eyes shut and focused again on my bond with the Romano sons.

I hoped for a sign, any sign, that they knew where I was. That I’d been missed at all—

But even if they were to find me— What then?

Even Titus had said that Lucian was beginning to slip.

How long would it be before he discovered our plot and turned his fury on me, or them, or all of us?

My head spun with confusion and the pressure in my chest was so intense I thought I might explode.

They wanted me to marry Lucian.

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