Yes, I was definitely going insane with the pressure upon me.
But what if I indulged his idea? What would happen if we killed—
“Valora?” My husband’s booming voice resonated around the gardens, and I couldn’t help but shiver, knowing he wanted me. I tucked the book away under my seat and quickly scrambled to the entrance, where he stood with his hands on his hips and a stern expression on his face.
“I’ve been looking for you, little whore,” he growled, looking me up and down like the piece of meat I was to him.
“Apologies, My Lord.” I curtsied, hoping to earn some favor and maybe a reprieve from whatever he desired. “I was getting a breath of fresh air.”
He grunted. “A breath of fresh air. This is what I’ve been given as a wife?” He glanced upward, as if speaking to Lucifer himself, and grunted. “When I call for you, I expect you to fall at my feet and ask how you can service me. Not make me work for it. No more hiding outside.”
“Of course, My Lord.” I reluctantly lowered myself to my knees and bowed my head, needing this to be done. And there was only one way to ensure that he left me alone. “How may I serve you?” The words were forced from my mouth, leaving a bitter aftertaste.
“We kill them all.”
I wish.
Necros patted my head. “Good girl.” The victory in his voice made me sick to my stomach. “How was your evening yesterday?”
I froze. Does he know? Adrik promised he’d taken care of Lavios, provided some sort of story about him leaving the palace on urgent business, but what if—
“I bet Lavios taught you a trick or two,” my husband continued, amusement darkening his tone. “Hmm, I should ask for the sheets. I’d love to know how much you bleed.”
I shifted uncomfortably on the floor. All you’ll find is a pile of ash, I thought bitterly. But I couldn’t say those words out loud. If Necros discovered the truth… I swallowed. What would he do to me? Kill me? I suspected not, because that would be too easy a punishment. Anything he dreamed up would be designed to degrade me; his intention always leaned toward humiliating those beneath him, and I was little more than dirt on his shoe now.
But I possess the power to burn others alive.
Adrik had awoken it.
And he wanted to help me use it to destroy everyone.
A sharp strike to the side of my head had me nearly falling to the ground. “I’m speaking to you, wife. What did he teach you?”
How to kill. “I’m not sure what he taught me will be of much use to me in pleasing you,” I said instead, proud of the steadiness in my tone.
Necros threaded his fingers through my hair and tugged harshly backward to force me to look at him. His eyes sparkled in delight. “Did you enjoy his brand of punishment, pet? Shall I seek the same adornments for my cock? And fuck you so harshly you can’t walk the next day?”
My husband was a vile demon with no compassion.
Cultivate the fury.
The phrase popped into my head, and I immediately tried to suppress it.
Not now. I couldn’t let Necros know about the power brewing inside me. Tears welled in my eyes as I fought it, causing his lips to curl even more. He thought his words were what hurt. But no, it was the burning sensation threatening to overwhelm me.
“Please,” I whimpered, talking more to myself than to Necros.
I felt the sparks igniting in my body.
No.
No.
No.
This can’t be happening again.
Adrik? my instincts whispered. Adrik. Help me suppress it. Please!