Orion gritted his teeth.
My skin prickled, and the pain intensified.
A spiteful part of me enjoyed knowing that the kings were watching me kiss John.
I wanted them to see what they would never have.
I wanted them to hurt like they’d hurt me.
Backing away from John, I nodded. “Let’s do this.”
I pulled the black elastic hood up and over my head, then tugged it low so it covered my entire face. The material appeared solid from the outside, but it was deceptively breathable and easy to see through.
Everyone did the same.
Clad head to toe in black, we became shadows with no discernable features.
In the middle of the room, Jax counted down from ten, and everyone gathered around the RJE devices. The twins grabbed my hands, and Orion grabbed my arm.
Sharp nails pressed through cloth into the back of my neck, and I startled at the intrusive touch. Pain traveled across my nerves and flared down my spine.
“Stay close, my Revered,” Scorpius whispered against the shell of my ear. “Don’t forget the bond sickness.”
I shivered.
As if I could ever forget my shackles.
Crack.
We disappeared.
Chapter 9
Aran
BATTLE
Baleful (adjective): foreboding or threatening evil.
DAY 1, HOUR 4
“Stay low.” Jax’s voice crackled in my earpiece as we moved through the empty courtyard.
Festive bells were strung across the yard, and they tinkled prettily in the icy wind.
They grated across my nerves.
Our attacking group was composed of the champions, the generals, and the four women of the assassin legion, who slithered through the shadows of night.
They were nothing more than a blur.
None of us were.
We were the only soldiers going inside the compound, since we were the strongest and largely had no idea the numbers we’d be coming up against. We had the best chance of escaping if need be.
The rest of the foot soldiers were currently creeping through the valley and creating a perimeter to ensure none of the infected got away.
Jax and Sadie led our group forward.
