Page 6 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

I shiver as the flimsy piece of gold fabric and chains that barely cover my top half clang together. Completely exposed in the back, and an open slit in the front revealing cleavage and side boob, I close my eyes and try to think of something else. Nothing but where I am and what I’m about to go through with.

I never had a say in what I wanted.

But I could do this. Ihadto. Alana didn’t deserve to suffer anymore.

My thoughts turn back to the present and this stupid dress.

It wasn’t bad enough that I had to do this. No, I also had to look like some type of harlot.

Footsteps echo down the long hall, moving closer, shaking me out of my wayward thoughts and back to the present.

I shiver as the monster moves closer, fisting my hands as they start to shake again. The teal jewelled bracelets rattle on my wrists.

Hearing him draw closer, I place on a mask of cold indifference. I needed to if I wanted to survive.

I had found out long ago that showing too much of any type of emotion would get me nowhere but the swift smack of the back of his hand. If not worse.

King despises weakness, but thrives on the pain and suffering of others, especially mine. He feeds on my despair and hopelessness. His insatiable hunger never fully satiated before he craves more.

Steps echo along the dark hall as King comes into view.

“Ah, there she is. My favourite girl,” he taunts.

Looking ahead, I watch him from the corner of my eye, not daring to provoke his anger or any type of emotion.

I couldn’t afford missing another couple of days or longer. Not if I wanted the plan to still go ahead on time.

I swallow down the nausea as he licks his lips, circling me like prey. Gripping my fists tight as he makes his way around me.

“Mm, don’t you clean up nicely?” His words feel like grime as they hit my ears. I grind my jaw hard, stopping myself from telling him how I truly feel. He didn’t want a reply, anyway, just my obedience. I was nothing more than a replaceable commodity to him, always making sure I know where I stand.

He moves closer, standing right beside me. I dig my fingers into my hands as he trails a hand down my bare hip. I focus on the sharp bite from my nails as they draw blood, distracting me from the monster in front of me.

Too close. He was too close.

I hold my breath as stale, hot air slithers across my cheek.

“When they have broken you into the pile of nothing you are, remember that is where you will remain. As an insignificant, worthless girl who is too weak to fight back.”

I keep hold of my breath as he trails a cold finger down my cheek.

My body grows stiff as my vision turns red.

He pauses, waiting for a reaction. One I would not give him.

King chuckles, taking a small step back. But not far enough, as I feel his warm breath on my face.

“It would seem I trained you well.” With the click of his finger, one of his men moves closer. From the corner of my eye, I see a robe thrown across the guard’s arm.

“Can’t let them see the goods until it’s time now, can we?” He moves behind me, draping the robe around my shoulders, sliding his hands down my body. I bite my tongue hard, tasting blood.

Reaching out swiftly, he grips the back of my neck, squeezing tight. I wince as his fingers bite into my skin.

“Don’t try anything stupid.” He sneers, squeezing my neck harder and cutting off my air supply. Holding it until my vision starts to fade, he lets up, pushing me towards the doors.

I catch myself gulping down air and trying to calm my racing heart.

“I have measures in place that ensure this goes smoothly. Now, go be a good little girl and do what you’re told.”

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