Page 16 of A Dragon's Curse

“Why is that?”

“Because Knox made sure of that a long time ago.”

Before I could ask another question, the door slammed shut and her retreating footsteps sounded. I didn’t bother to yell at her. I merely enjoyed another meal in the dark. What was the point of being pissed-the-fuck-off right now? Being angry wasn’t going to improve my situation. In fact, it was likely to make it worse.

* * *

After another three days,my skin was getting itchy from not being able to run with my wolf. In total, six days had passed since I’d last seen Cillian. Since Beatrix had started her research and promised not to tell my parents about what I’d told her unless things got worse.

I’d spent a lot of time thinking about my family when I wasn’t thinking about Cillian or how to escape this hellhole.

My parents were never going to let me leave the pack again. Of that I was certain, but I was also certain that between my family—including those not blood-related—and my mate, I wasn’t going to die here.

And because of us, my wolf added.

Obviously, we’ll be the true heroes. I laughed.But our family won’t give up on us, and knowing that makes me not give up.

The Psycho had returned every day, once a day, with the same meal of steak and rolls and a water. My energy was returning, and I was slowly learning more about this place with each question that I asked.

From what I could gather, Knox had created this place years ago. He was older than Cillian and very fucking vengeful. Little did big brother know, he’d just given his little brother the same vengeance.

My heart ached from missing my mate, and not the one I’d been forced to choose. Funnily enough, there wasn’t a single part of me that ached to be near Knox.

I thought even with chosen mates that there’d be some sort of draw toward each other, regardless of how much I despised him, but the fact that he’d stayed away since bringing me down here proved that neither of us wanted the other.

Lucky fucking me.

It was near what I’d become accustomed to as bedtime when a bright light shined into the hallway and I heard Knox’s voice.

“Then, we’ll drain his blood,” he growled. “Either way, I want his magic and if he won’t give it, then I’ll take it.”

Another door opened, and I stayed frozen in place, afraid to make a noise and miss whatever was happening in a cell near mine.

“Good evening, Darius,” Knox cooed. “I’ve come to collect your monthly payment.”

“I’m done helping you,” another man responded. “You’ll have to kill me.”

Knox clicked his tongue. “Oh, old man. Don’t tempt me with a good time.” The sound of a fist hitting flesh echoed through the dank area. “Give me what I asked for.”

Knox’s voice was no longer cordial, and my skin crawled just knowing how close he was.

“No,” the man responded.

Three more punches and the sound of breaking bones filled my ears.

“That’s enough or he really will be dead,” The Psycho said.

Huh. I didn’t realize she was there as well.

“Make him cooperate, Estelle,” Knox spat, then added, “or it will be your blood I come for next.”

I heard the slamming of another door, but then a wrestling sound.

“Don’t fucking threaten me, boy,” The Psycho a.k.a. Estelle hissed. “I’m the only reason you’ve gotten this far. You need me.”

He laughed darkly. “I don’tneedanyone.” Footsteps sounded closer. “Speaking of need…”

Mother shittery shit.

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