From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 92

Chapter 92

He contains his animal form just long enough to bow his head toward her and vanish into the forest. I watch him go–it seems easier than facing what I’ve lost. I grit my teeth before turning to face Elara. I wish I could say I’m not surprised by what I see, but I am. Her hatred used to please me now, I think I don’t like it very much. Still, my pride dominates.

“Elara,” I say, stepping toward her. “Come

I offer her my hand. I see the blood on my skin and easily recall hers staining my hands when the shifters tore her throat. My eyes wander for only a moment to the sears now lining her neck.

She refuses to answer me–her silence hits me.

“Running from me goes against the Treaties. Someone will have to suffer the consequences.” My voice sounds barely restrained. “Not to mention it’s useless. 111 always find you.”

Her body tenses, and she throws me a defiant look

“Your threats won’t work on me. I’d rather die than be under your roof again

I raise an eyebrow in her direction. For a moment, I allow myself to forget the seriousness of the situation, that this isn’t just another of our usual Hisputes where the goal is to push each other’s buttons.

“You didn’t seem to hate it so much when I was fucking you in my bed”

A shiver runs through her body; however, the flames in her gaze speak not of cold, but of fury,

“And you didn’t seem at all upset about getting involved with a human remember? We’re that emotional shit you despise so much”

I lick my bottom lip

“Is this jealousy, Elara!”

This is pride, Cassian.” Her beautiful gray eyes pience into mine. “Self–respect–the only kind I feel. I’m tired of living as what you all expect me to be, a submissive human who’s going to let herself be crushed by your words. No more. I’d rather be dead, because a life with you is the same as being dead.”

Her words hit me deeper than I want to show. I can’t help the memory of my father who chose death rather than live without my mother, who didn’t fight for me–from rising up. Maybe it’s selfish, but I always wished my father had stayed by my side even after that. I wanted someone to guide ine, someone who wouldn’t leave me in the hands of the scavengers who waited their turn to steal a piece of me. In the end, I sank into that pit. They didn’t finish me because I soon learned to bend demons to may will. Only, mine are stronger than I thought

Alire!

shakes me,

and though it’s not for her, I throw it in her face with hy words.

“Fine,” I say. “Better dead than a fucking burden.”

Something like determination crosses her features. She looks over her shoulder, and before I can catch her, she disappears over the cliff’s edge. I run to the spot the occupied, lean over, and watch in horror as she plummets into the void. I don’t hesitate–1 follow and crash into the cold water. Nearby, Elara fights against the force of the waves with her arms and legs–in vain. I swim toward her, wrap my arms around her, and carry us to the surface. Her mouch opens, gasping for air.

“Better dead, remember?” she says between gulps of air.

I look at her, irritated by her words–though I know I deserve them. At that moment, a huge wave crashes down on us and drags us back underwater. Something slams hard into my back, forcing me to let go of Elara. I try to reach her- see blood dancing around me, and it instantly puts me on alert and tense. I search for her in the ocean’s dark waters, but she’s no longer there. 1 surface again and again, trying to spot something Boaring above, a head searching for air.

I dive, searching for any sign of her in the sea. My search grows increasingly difficult with the waves and the darkness that signals nightfall’s arrival.

Giving up is not something I do.

“She is not

is not here, predestined one.”

The words are whispered in my car through the water. I try to find their owner, quite sure it’s a mermaid. She’s not here–surely spoke from hundreds of kilometers away, unable to face my wrath.

With this new information, I swim to the nearest shore, defeated and exhausted. It’s not until past midnight that I head back to the castle–my desire for violence against Ciro has been forgotten. She wasn’t with him–she was in the forest, and now, who knows where. All I know is that ITI find her. I’m sure her whereabouts will reach me many people know about her. The rumors have spread like weeds, and no one will hesitate to 1/2

12:23 PM c d ·

Chapter 92

use her against me. I’m

going after her with everything I’ve got.

When enter the castle, the air is so cold it cuts the skin, and the silence so bitter I can taste it in my mouth. The climb up the stairs echoes everywhere, emphasizing her absence even more. How could one single person make this place feel alive? Not even the feeders dare to wander- not now that the object of their curiosity is gone. I’ve barely entered my chambers and sat before the destroyed desk when there’s a knock at my door. I don’t feel like speaking to anyone, but if they’ve come this far, it must be important. It better be if they don’t want to join the wreckage of this room.

Come in

One of the Diluted under my command, covered head to toe in armor, enters the office. He bows his head respectfully and straightens his back as he looks at me.

went to search the

“We went to

e Voss residence as you ordered…

I raise my hand to stop him.

“I know what you’re going to my—I know she’s not there.”

Now she’s lost somewhere, far from me, I think.

“You may go” I wave him off

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