“Show me,” Caelynn demands, with a surprisingly strong voice, “the whole damn thing.”
Caelynn
“Caelynn,” Rev murmurs, “maybe I should read it and—”
“No. I have to see it,” I say firmly. “We will both read it. Together.”
Rev’s eyes are a dark grey as he holds my stare for a long moment. Then, he reaches out his hand. I cling to his fingers like he’s my anchor to life. And maybe he is.
Maybe he always was.
Ink appears on the worn pages of the open spell book.
Hello, my pet.
Have you had a good break from my scheming? Are you ready to begin the game anew?
Breath freezes in my lungs, and every muscle tenses, preparing for the pain I know will result from the words of my worst enemy. My nightmare. Rev squeezes my hand tighter. I can’t hear the monster’s words, but the echoing memory of his voice reverberates through my mind anyway. I see the darkness surrounding him. Feel his talons.
Your mate freed us, strengthened us. We are both thankful for your help. We could be allies, but it does not seem you’ve chosen that path, have you? I know that you plot to destroy us. Foolish, foolish child. Will you never learn?
Your mate bargained for your life. And you will have it. I will grant it to you, my pet. But since you insist on being our enemy, here is my promise—
You will live a long and terrible life. You will be lonely and hated. Death is a mercy you did not choose and so, you will endure pains worse than death. Over and over again.
As for your mate? I will drive you apart. I will ensure he sees you for what you truly are.
I stole away part of your soul when we first met and gave you a piece of mine. If you think one bargain can reverse the damage done, then you are pathetically naïve.
You are mine.
A low rumble pulls my attention from the message. My gaze flicks to Rev. His eyes are pitch black, his expression angry. He, too, is tense, like he’s preparing to attack the pages of the book for revealing such atrocities.
You have belonged to me from the moment you stepped into that tunnel so many years ago, right into my awaiting claws. This began all the way back then. You are not free of me. You never will be.
I know everything that is precious to you. And I will take it away bit by bit, until all you have left is me. You will beg me to end you.
