Page 18 of The Dragon King's Curse
“Did you really think that would work? That was fucking pathetic. Now you’ve really done it. I’m definitely going to kill you. First, I’m going to enjoy this gorgeous body.”
I flailed beneath him, smacking his hands away every time he tore at my clothing. No man would take me by force. He would have to kill me first.
My stomach turned when I felt his cock through his pants, hard against my thigh. Only an absolute monster would find this exciting. His greater strength made it difficult to keep him at bay. Unable to stay silent any longer, I screamed my rage and fear.
The fae wrapped both hands around my throat, intent on choking me into unconsciousness. Anything to shut me up and make me susceptible to his sick and twisted plan. I clawed at his hands, trying my best to loosen his hold. My vision began to grow dark.
Suddenly, a heavy stone was brought down against his skull. Repeatedly. Smashing in his head with a vicious brutality. Blood sprayed, splattering my face. He slumped on top of me, brains and blood leaking from the gaping hole in his head.
Standing above him with the dragon wild in his eyes was Noxx.
CHAPTER TEN
NOXX
Tossing the stone I held aside, I used my foot to shove the dead fae’s body off Feryn. She stared up at me, surprise in her beautiful violet eyes. Holding a hand out to her, I said, “Let’s go. We have to keep moving. There are more of them coming.”
When she didn’t immediately respond, I grabbed hold of her and pulled her to her feet. Understandably, she was in shock. Her hand went to her face, coming away stained with blood.
“I have to wash up.” She hurried over to the stream, dipping her hands into the running water. She splashed her face several times before cupping her hands and drinking.
I watched our surroundings while removing the weaponry from the dead fae. He carried two daggers and a sword. Feryn seemed to have obtained a bow with some arrows. Not bad.
She returned to me, eyeing up the sword with interest. “Should we cross the stream? It might be easier to lose them on the other side.”
I shook my head, handing her the sword. Shoving the two daggers into the sides of my boots, I said, “I already tried it. The stream wouldn’t let me climb out on the other side. It kept tossing me back in this direction.”
She looked me over, noticing my damp clothing. “Oh, well, that’s shitty. I guess we have to just keep moving then. Are you any good with a bow?”
“I’m no expert, but I’d like to think I’m a relatively decent shot.”
Feryn removed the bow and quiver from her back, passing them to me. “I’m no good with these things. I’d feel much better with the sword.”
Taking the items from her, I secured them to my back. “Which way did you come from?”
She pointed back toward the trees behind us. “That way. I ran into one of the humans on my way. They found him. He’s dead. Have you seen anyone else?”
“No. I came from over there.” I pointed to the west. She’d come from the north. The stream blocked us from going further south. We had only one option left. “I guess we’re going that way.”
I started off toward the east, where the trees grew especially thick and dark. Feryn hesitated before following.
As we walked, she kept her distance. Even though I’d just stopped one of those fae fucks from raping and killing her, I didn’t blame her for not trusting me. I hadn’t exactly given her a reason to since I’d tried to kill her myself upon our first meeting.
I led the way through the trees. While the trees seemed to watch and listen constantly, this patch of forest felt different. The trees were different. They actively tried to stop us from proceeding.
A large tree limb swept down toward us. We ducked just in time to keep our heads from being taken clean off. Hurrying away from that tree, we soon found ourselves surrounded by trees with hanging vines that stretched out like rope, winding around our arms and legs.
“The land here is so angry,” Feryn commented as she swung with the sword, chopping away the vines.
One vine tried to jerk the sword from her grasp. I used the dagger to slash it away.
“I guess that’s to be expected from a land overrun with tainted magick. To think Atlas wonders why every other realm hates the fae so goddamn much. Although to be fair, I suppose we all hate one another as well.” I offered her a shrug as we moved along.
“Seems to be that way,” she agreed. “It’s unfortunate really. All the pain and suffering that we inflict upon one another. It only brings more harm to ourselves.”
“That it does. This is the way it’s always been. Since our ancestors were in charge and their ancestors before them. I can’t imagine it any other way.” As we walked, I snuck a sidelong glance in her direction.
Feryn tucked a few strands of hair behind a pointed ear. They’d escaped her braid in the chaos. She was careful to watch every side, even turning back to check behind us frequently. Not wanting to be taken by surprise again. She held the sword, her grip tight. She seemed to be experienced with the blade. I found it fascinating that a woman of her status would be skilled with a weapon.
