Page 112 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“This was our deal. I get to have my fun with her first. So deal with it,” Kaladar says to her.

I give him a hollow laugh. “You’re a coward, hiding behind your powers.”

“Is that so?” I’m dropped to the ground like a rag doll.

“Let’s even the playing field then, shall we?” Reaching behind him, he pulls out something small from his back pocket.

“You can thank your little Alana for this gift.” Kaladar waves the small vial as he makes his way closer. The contents are a familiar green gunk.

How did he get a hold of King’s blocker?

Before I can think about it, he waves his hand, and I’m immobile once more.

Forcing my mouth open, he pours the vile sludge down my throat.

“How long before it kicks in?” He turns to Morana while continuing to hold my mouth closed as the concoction works its way down my throat.

My eyes widen as I choke down large gulps of the sludge.

Too much. He’s giving me too much. I’ll barely be able to heal once this kicks in.

Morana huffs just as the guards come back. “A couple of minutes should do it.”

Looking back to me, he gives me a cruel smirk before pulling his hand away and stepping back.

I glance around the guards, looking out for any familiar faces, and relax when I see none.

“The area is clear, sir.”

Kaladar narrows his eyes on me.

“Fine. We’ll have to find out your little secrets some other way.” He waves the guards off, releasing me from my motionless position.

“Form a perimeter, I don’t want anyone getting in.”

“Yes, sir.” Kaladar’s guards spread out around us, the nearest leaving their backs to us.

Just as I go to get up, I feel a boot to my side, making me curl in on myself, gasping.

“Let’s see how much of a coward I am when I rip you open and tear you apart.” He hisses, bending down to grab me by my foot. I pull back my other leg and put as much force into it as I can.

“You little—”

He drops my foot, cursing me to hell and back. I waste no time twisting around and pulling myself up, ignoring the sharp burst of pain in my side. The fucker must have broken a rib or two, but I don’t have time to worry about it. I need to get my ass out of there.

My ability isn’t going to get the time it needs to heal with King’s little potion, slowing it down to a near halt.

Just as I make it to the nearest crate, I’m whipped to the side, slamming into it.

Of course, he won’t play fair.

I pull myself up, turning around to face him when I see the large sphere of power just before it hits.

A gasp slips out as pain explodes throughout my body, sliding me to the ground. I’m unable to do anything as it comes in fresh waves, over and over, feeling endless.

“I lied.” Kaladar chuckles as he hunches down beside me.

My insides feel like they’re being crushed together while my skin is flayed alive.

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