Page 77 of Tainted Serenity

But I don’t let my thoughts ruin this moment. As the knife tears through his flesh and he starts spluttering out saliva, I look into his eyes filled with hatred that is slowly slipping away.

“This isn’t the end,” he stutters out, grabbing for my throat, but he has no strength left.

“You’re right.” I push the knife deeper into his flesh as I watch the life drain from his eyes, and his body goes completely limp. “This is only the beginning,” I say, and stand up before the world sways and darkness fills my vision.

Chapter 29

Grey

How dangerous it isto finally have something worth losing. Growing up my entire life with nothing left to lose, I quickly became accustomed to having nothing. And watching the only person who truly matters suffer is a heart-wrenching experience. It’s a type of pain that only comes when you have something treasurable, a feeling where your heart gets shredded into a million pieces, and all possible outcomes make you lose yourself inside your own head.

Naya collapses on the ground with a thud next to Arthur’s lifeless body. It’s as if peace has come to my soul when I see him—a peace I have never experienced before.

Casting one last glance at Arthur’s daughter lying unconscious on the floor, I rush over to where Naya lay before I fall on my knees beside her. The guards will come at any minute, finding us here, and fuck knows what will happen then. I couldn’t believe my ears when Daxton told me that one of the women masquerading as a doll was Arthur’s and Irene’s daughter, but it somehow makes sense. The perfect trap to lure you in.

With frantic eyes, I sweep them over Naya’s body, noticing her wrists. The flesh has been ripped away from when she struggled against the restraints holding her tied to the chair, blood seeps down her arms in a tragic way. Nausea grumbles within me at the sight of her like this, my strong little doll, all vulnerable and in pain.

I should have been here with her; should never have lost her in the chaos of the storm outside the castle walls. When her hand slipped from mine as the wind became more urgent, Daxton dragged me inside the nearest entrance to the building, leading to one of the many underground tunnels. I will forever regret not being by her side through this.

The blood keeps trickling down her wrists—a macabre sight on her skin. She’s losing too much blood.

Fuck.

With all the strength I have left in my trembling body full of adrenaline, I tear Arthur’s expensive suit into ribbons. My heart beats unnaturally fast as I tie the torn cloth around Naya’s wrists in an attempt to stop the blood flow, but it soaks the fabric immediately. With fast fingers, I work to tear more pieces from his suit and tie them even tighter against her wrists, desperately trying to stem the flow.

The bleeding stops, and I can finally allow oxygen to enter my lungs. I slump against the floor, watching Naya’s unconscious body.

She looks like a true fallen angel, draped in blood and sins.

“Come on,” I whisper, more to myself as I hope for her to wake up soon.

Her eyes flutter open, those beautiful mismatched eyes staring back at me with such agony it makes my chest cave.

“You’re awake,” I say in relief.

She gives me a tiny smile before groaning, and I help her to a sitting position as a pained expression strikes her face.

“You have lost a lot of blood. Hopefully, my bastard brother is still alive and can help you.”

Our gazes turn toward the room’s entrance as we hear another groan behind us. Esther slowly wakes up, and I make my way toward her with rage running red through my veins. With a forceful grip, I drag her to the chair. Making quick work of the ropes, I manage to tie Esther to the chair with the same ropes that tied Naya.

Karma is a bitch.

“Where the fuck is your mother?” I seethe through my teeth.

Esther is barely awake, her head slumping as she fights unconsciousness. I slap her cheek to rouse her, but she doesn’t wake up.

“Fuck!” I curse, an unsettling feeling taking over me.

Naya watches as I secure the ropes, her lips hinting at a smirk when she sees the discomfort the tight ropes cause Esther. She is as twisted and ethereally tainted as I am. My equal in everything that matters.

“We have to get out of here.”

I approach Naya as her gaze is stuck on Esther, a pained yet relieved expression on her face. Her eyes land on Arthur, and rage swirls under her surface, wanting justice for everything he has done, even if he is dead.

My lips press against her in a violent manner, teeth clashing together as our tongues meet. The kiss is not sweet or romantic, it’s filled with lust and desperation that reflects our relationship and feelings toward one another. When she’s in my arms, I finally feel like myself, as if nothing else matters but the toxicity between us.

With determined eyes, she breaks the kiss, holding her chin high as she stares at me. I know her well enough now to know she has a plan, and she is looking so fucking hot with that sinister glint in her eyes, waiting for the possibility to ravage and rave.

---