Page 10 of Savage Throne
Unable to help myself, I found myself hunching over to accept the small arms encircling me.
TT was so much like Moni. Her spirit, her strength, it was uncanny. The comfort she offered was something I didn't expect. Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt for letting my emotions get the best of me.
“Thank you, TT.”
Her warmth seeped into me.
Perhaps she was right.
Maybe Moni was stronger than I gave her credit for. But that didn't help the dread gnawing at my insides and it didn't stop the fear clawing at my heart. The thought of losing her to my father's sadistic games was more than I could bear.
TT pulled back from the hug and looked up at me. “Moni will be okay, Lei.”
I wished I could share in her conviction but I knew my father well. He played for keeps and wouldn't hesitate to break Moni if he believed it served his grander purpose.
However, I couldn’t think of any of that anymore.
If Duck could stop them, he would.
But I would at least fulfill my promise to Moni and do right by her family.
I let out an exasperated breath and rose. “TT, can you promise me something?”
“Yes?”
I took another deep breath and gathered my thoughts. “I will have to take you downstairs and deal with your sisters and Banks.”
“Yeah.”
“Do you think you can help me? I’m a bit low on control and patience tonight.”
To my surprise, she gave me a big smile. “That’s easy, Lei. Just letmedo the talking.”
Chapter two
The Path of No Return
Moni
Fifthteen minutes earlier.
Song opened a massive door. “Here we go.”
Thank God. I thought I would never get out of there.
The cold air hit me as soon as I stepped out of the hidden passageway.
It was a tight, dark tunnel that smelled faintly of damp earth and stone, the kind of place that made your skin crawl even when you tried to focus on anything else.
This odd chill lingered on my skin, creeping into my bones and making me shiver despite the adrenaline that pulsed through my veins.
As I emerged from the shadows, I spotted Leo calmly waiting for us.
His presence was always unnerving, but in the night, with nothing but the moonlight and distant sounds of the party in the background, he seemed even more dangerous.
Five men stood around Leo in a loose formation. Shadows masked their faces but I could still see their eyes.
Gleaming.
