g a memory she couldn't place. She watched him intently, lips slightly parted. There was s

She didn't return it, just cont

ps interrupte

smile casual, his

and smirked. "Get

g his fury. "Of course. Sh

so too. I plan to make her my queen one day

ressed a kiss to Selena's cheek. His hand set

hest turn

is back. His mind was screaming. Tha

still, composed, a m

ht smile. "You'

watching them

. It was no longer wild or reck

onger a fight

was

o lounged in indifference on his stone throne, swir

amp," Varek added, his to

y," he said, waving lazily. "Take Garrick. Let him see wh

dentity of Garrick, stepped

m re

said, her voice firm a

surprised. "

Yes. I want to see

usty paths flanked by dying trees and scorched grass. As they neared the ca

oice shouted. "Aren't you tired of being slaves?

a bend, and t

treaked body, but her eyes... they burned. Fire and defiance radiated from her as sh

s fr

wrapped in skin. Beautiful, yes, but not in any delicate wa

"She's an orphan. Been here for yea

With a growl, he charged forward, grabbed Sara mid-sentence, and

fused to beg. Her eyes remained defian

ground "your death is

your parents, He sa

ngth even in pain he couldn't st

aves, bones visible under torn skin, some collapsed from e

ggered toward him, eyes holl

ached for her, but Varek shov

of no use,"

was

ing with rage. "I wa

rek taunted. "Then yo

ounted his horse and gall

f Garrick fell away, and James wept. Rage. Grief. Powerlessness. His people, beate

as no room