Page 102 of Jump or Fall
Mara cried out, pain tearing through her as the knife twisted.
She clutched a fistful of Karena’s hair and flipped her onto her back. She bashed her head against the floor over and over.
Hands seized Mara’s arms, yanking her away. She shook violently, her breath coming out in sharp bursts. Blood trickled down the sleeve of her shirt as she looked down at the now limp Karena.
You better be dead.
***
Karena wasn’t dead. She ate enough skiff to kill an elephant. Of course, it would take more than a minor head wound to kill her.
It was probably a good thing she hadn’t died. Mara was already anticipating some kind of punishment as she stared at Dawson’s office door.
Her hand shook as she turned the knob.
Breathe.
Karena was already there, slumped in the chair across from him, her face pale and hollowed with defeat.
He beckoned for Mara to approach, so she did and took the seat next to her rival.
“This shit ends now,” Dawson said, seething. “Karena, you’ll move to an apartment on the border of Two. Mara, you’ll remain here—for now.”
Again, she was being punished for Karena’s fuck-ups. With Karena gone, he’d be on her even more. Why did she have to be so fucking crazy? If she would just behave, then he’d give her what she wanted. Maybe he couldn’t give anyone genuine love, but she adored him and practically melted at his touch.
Mara ground her teeth together, but she responded with a stiff nod.
Karena let out a huff before muttering, “Yes, Dawson.”
His gaze darkened as he turned back to Karena. “You tried to steal from me.”
Karena was about to talk back, but he cut her off. “Trying to kill Mara is an attempt to take what’s mine. Your actions reflect poorly on me, and it ends today.”
She jerked her head in understanding, tears trailing down her cheeks.
“Stand. Both of you.”
They obeyed. Karena’s posture was stiff and her eyes still downcast.
A lump formed in Mara’s throat. What was he going to do to her?
Dawson’s voice softened, almost amused. “Mara, I’ll allow you retribution for the stripe that wasn’t hers to give.”
Karena’s head snapped up. “You can’t do this.”
Dawson rose and rounded the desk with deliberate slowness. He threaded his fingers through her long hair. “You think this has all been a game, my love.” His lips curled into a cruel smirk. “You think daddy will swoop in when his precious little girl gets tired of playing with fire.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “You belong to me, Karena. The Archon can’t save you from the flames.”
He shoved her over the desk and splayed his hand across her back.
Karena buried her face in her arms as he lifted her blouse, exposing the pale skin of her back—thin and marred by years of scars.
Dawson gestured to Mara. “Come here, doll. This is a special treat for a non-initiate.”
Her feet moved before she could think, carrying her forward against her will.
He extended his hand and the claw on his thumb slid out. “Only proper that you use my blade.”
Mara stared at Karena sprawled across the desk, small and fragile. The girl who had assisted this demon in human skin in turning her life into a waking hell. The girl who, for all her cruelty, had only ever wanted one thing—Dawson’s love.
