by Helene Gadot
The prick doctor probably just has a little stomach illness or ate something that didn’t agree with him or he imbibed in way too much mead and ale.
Whatever happened, he’s keeping to his rooms for the day, possibly longer.
So that means I won’t have to see the bird like that for a bit and I won’t have to suffer through that idiot’s belief he can strip my Arcane side and transfer it to himself.
Even though he’s already a mage, weak one that he is.
I would love nothing more than to lock a collar around his neck and then slice off each of his limbs and beat him to death with them while he screams.
I’m actually glad he made it through the night so I still might get the chance to do exactly that.
Planning my revenge is the only thing keeping me from exploding. And my plans have gotten bloodier and bloodier with each day trapped here.
Especially while the bastard had me strapped down while I sliced me up.
None of my ideas are particularly creative, but they’re certainly gruesome.
They would probably terrify my skittish little mate.
What is the universe thinking, pairing three rough, powerful, and violent males with a bird shifter who’s so softhearted she rescued a worm and took knuckles to the face for it?
As annoying as it is watching that jinn hang all over her, he seems to be a better option for her. He doesn’t have that glint in his eye that we all have. One that shows we’re feral and broken from everything we’ve done in order to survive.
My soul will never be washed clean from the sins I’ve committed to help win this war.
The last thing I want to do is blacken hers.
But Gavyn and Archer are both struggling with our plan to ignore her and the bond. If Archer had been assigned the kitchens instead of the mines, I’m not sure he wouldn’t have completely ignored our decision in favor of attempting to convince Allegra to accept him.
His constant mooning and bitching is driving me crazy.
I don’t want to be an asshole to her every time we’re in the same vicinity.
I don’t want to keep my distance.
I don’t want to leave her in some shack in the woods with her jinn so they can live happily ever after while we spend the rest of our lives alone.
What little of our lives we have left with danger stalking our every step.
Maybe we’ll find someone else we could possibly love, but there will always be something missing now that we’ve met our true mate. Especially since everything we’ve learned about her has made her even more distracting and tempting, not the opposite like I hoped.
It’s certainly possible to deny the bond, but only if you’re sure. Something she seems to be, so it’s doubtful she’ll experience any difficulties once we leave her.
She seems to have made her choice and it isn’t us. It’s the jinn.
Smart birdie.
My brows furrow as the potato I pull from the ground is bright red, like it’s stained with blood. As I stare at it, the potato changes back to the usual rough brown color. I blink hard, thinking my eyes are playing tricks on me.
But everything is back to normal.
Did the doctor actually succeed in doing something to me with his experiments? At one point, I blacked out from the pain and have no clue what he did while I was unconscious.
I dig in the next spot, going slowly and carefully, wary at what else I may unearth. Or what my mind may trick me into thinking I’m finding.
The next potato looks fine.
Until I turn it over.
And the words “look up” are carved into its flesh.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Allegra
ZAK AND I WERE ABLE to get the stains and goop out of the stupid red dress and his clothes as well, so I slip it on in preparation for our weekly performance with my back to Zakar while he changes into the black tunic and trousers they provided him.
I wish we were dressed like this for any other reason than being puppets for these pricks.
Borus, the guard I still regret not killing started this when he caught Zak and I entertaining each other with a song while we worked in the gardens. Even though he was always trying to keep us apart, he couldn’t resist showing me off and Zak is the perfect accompaniment.
Our connection has always created beautiful music.
I just hate we have to share it with the bastards here.
Instead of dressing up to go somewhere fun with my friend, we’re getting fancy for a bunch of drunken morons who love nothing more than to compete with each other over who can humiliate us the most.
Borus was always the winner before he left.
He’s the only guard whose name I couldn’t help but learn, no matter how much I tried not to let it stick in my mind, taking up valuable space.
But he refused to be ignored, going far to ensure I never forget him.
Though he cemented his spot in my head for the biggest enemy when Rowan disappeared and Borus left not long after. I’m convinced he had something to do with what happened to Rowan.
He was always jealous of the bond I had with him. I’m just glad he left before he decided to do something about Zak or Tahira. I swear his plan was to strip me of everything and everyone I found the slightest bit of happiness in.
I have no idea what I did to make him despise me so much, but I’ll regret not killing him for the rest of my life.
I just hope I don’t end up with the same regret over the doctor. He still hasn’t left his rooms since the whole poisoning mishap, but some of the inmates who are on the cleaning detail have seen him and he’s alive, just still feeling sick to his stomach.
There are no rumors that the guards or the doctor believe it’s anything other than a stomach bug, so it looks like I got away with it. Though Gavyn has been shooting me strange looks, like he suspects I’ve done something.
There’s no proof and while they want nothing to do with me, they don’t seem like they have any desire to see me in trouble, so I’m not too concerned over what he thinks he knows
I’m more concerned with telling Zak. There hasn’t been an opportunity since I discovered this morning the doctor was still alive and now isn’t the best time since we’re about to be surrounded by all the guards. He’s horrible at deceit, so I don’t want him acting nervous and raising suspicions.
Or maybe I’m dragging my heels because I’ve kept it from him this long and don’t want to have to explain why. I did have the perfect opportunity last night, but I kept my mouth shut just like Tahira suggested.
“You all right?”
I spin around to face Zak, guilt flushing my cheeks. “Just not looking forward to this.”
An understanding expression crosses his face. “I know. It’s definitely not my favorite part of our delightful lives here.”
“The only thing worse are visits to the doctor. And sometimes those are less painful.” I pull at the neckline of my dress, attempting to cover up what little cleavage I have, but as usual, it doesn’t work.
Zak tries very hard to keep his eyes on my face, but his gaze keeps flicking down to my chest. “I’m just glad he’s locked in his rooms sick and giving us all a break from his tender mercies.”
“Me too.”
Especially since it’s been a while since the doctor had a session with Zak. He’s due for one sometime soon and any way I can postpone it, I’ll try.
I should’ve used ten flowers and made sure I killed him.
We’ve had others sickos here and other doctors and scientists have come and gone, but this one has been here longer than me and he’s a special brand of sadistic.
Zak reaches out and grasps my shoulders, ducking his head to meet my eyes. “I know it’s a lot right now with your new mates and just the pure horror of this place, but you still have me. I’m here for whatever you need.”
I soften against him at his sweet words, my chest warming. “I know. And I’d be lost without you. I probably would’ve given
up a long time ago if it wasn’t for you.”
His thumbs rub against my collarbones. “You’re the reason I’m still alive. Maybe one day we’ll finally find a way out of here. Maybe the resistance will actually win and free us. I don’t know. But if we live out the rest of our days here, I’m glad it’s you I’m spending them with.”
“Me too, Zak.” I grab his hands and squeeze as I lean in and kiss his check, breathing in his comforting scent of midnight rain.
His face is flushed when I pull back, but he smiles sweetly at me and caresses the edge of my jaw with his thumb. “Remember. I’m there with you, whatever happens. You’re not alone.
Tears burn my eyes and the back of my throat, but I swallow them down, not wanting to show any sign of weakness to the guards.
Zak settles his guitar on his back and holds out his arm for me to take with a little bow.
I grin and slide my arm through his, willing to play along as we pretend to head out for a tryst.
We still have a bit before we need to return topside, but Tahira always likes to have us come spend little time with her when we’re all dressed up.
There are so few beautiful things in this gray place, even the things that have bleaker sides to them are appreciated.
Even a fancy dress with a plunging neckline I wear for pricks to leer at brings a little bit of light to our lives. And modesty has never been an issue for me. They raised me to think it was perfectly normal with all the experiments and humiliations. What do I have to hide?
Our fellow prisoners whistle and hoot as we stride through the dungeon towards Tahira’s cell.
Before we make it there, an angry voice wraps around me, his words bringing me to a stop. “What the hell are you wearing?”
The damn unicorn.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gavyn
MY MOUTH GAPES OPEN, making me look like a fool when Allegra skids to a halt outside our still empty doorway at Sterling’s possessive and furious question.
He cannot seem to stop himself from being an utter ass around her.
She raises a single brow, her lips curling in derision. “Excuse me?”
Allegra is breathtaking in red, the dress fitted around her torso before it flares out at her hips in billowing layers with a teasing slit up her leg almost to the top of her thigh.
“What are you wearing?” Sterling is brave enough to ask the question a second time.
I know I should put a stop to this collision course, but I can’t seem to do more than stand there and watch as they race close and closer to crashing together.
“Clothes.”
Sterling swells with a possessive anger he is losing the battle with. “Why are you both dressed up? Got a secret tryst?”
Something strange flashes through both their eyes as they exchange a glance filled with secrets and affection and a little bit of heat. So slight, they probably don’t realize they feel it yet, but it’s there, waiting, to be fanned into a flame.
I may be separated from my incubus side, but I can still read desire and lust and love.
And there’s a mix of all three between the two of them, something small but strong enough our mate bonds aren’t even interfering with.
I’m not even convinced our mate bonds would overtake whatever’s between them if we all accepted them. If we give into the bonds, he may be coming with us and joining our family.
Not something I see going over very well. Especially with Sterling. He’d probably barely share with us.
Allegra sighs. “We usually have to perform for them every weekend. They like to celebrate even if they don’t get any time off. The plus side is tomorrow, we all get to sleep in. They don’t let us out until later in the morning than usual.”
Archer inches closer, interacting with her for the first time. “Perform? Sing? Like you did the other night?”
Zakar chuckles. “Yes, but a little different. More tavern tunes, less long live the resistance.”
My incubus refuses to go back to sleep, too busy eyeing the significant amount of cleavage our mate is showing. She looks sinful in red, making her hazel eyes brighter and blonde hair shine. Zakar is dashing as hell at her side in all black, his dark golden skin glowing and beautiful.
None of us are appreciating the idea of her looking this delicious and being paraded out in front of the guards.
Which sick prick bought these clothes for them and forced them to wear it?
And why am I starting to feel protective over Zakar as well?
Is he my mate?
Usually it’s easier to tell, like with Allegra, but maybe?
I shake my head. No. There’s no way. It’s residual feelings from her that’s spreading to me through the bond. It’s not dissolving like it should be with the way we’re ignoring it. Her love for him is infecting me.
And my incubus is lonely and the jinn is beautiful too.
“You poisoned the doctor, right? It’s been driving me crazy. Tell me I wasn’t imagining things.” The words spew from my mouth before I can stop them.
Usually I’m a little more tactful than that, but I’ve been going over and over it in my head and arguing with the other two about what I’m sure I saw. I need to know.
Her eyes widen. “What makes you think I had anything to do with that?”
Zakar shakes his head and scoffs. “Of course. Just like last time.”
Sterling scowls. “Last time?”
Allegra pales and grabs Zakar’s arm. “Uh, we have to go. We can’t be late or we’ll end up in one of the cages up there. Or worse. Sorry. Bye.”
She drags her jinn away, who looks equal parts amused and annoyed.
I knew I was right. She definitely had something to do with the doctor’s mysterious behavior and illness. And apparently this isn’t the first time she’s done something similar.
“So, that’s what she was doing with those flowers.” Sterling mutters the words to himself under his breath, but they still catch my attention and Archer’s.
“What?” I tear my eyes away from the songbird’s retreating form and turn to Sterling.
He sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “Yesterday. She came out to the gardens to get extra vegetables and on her way back to the kitchen she stumbled and spilled her basket. I noticed her paying attention to these strange yellow flowers, and picking some along with the food. I just figured she thought they were pretty or she picked them to give them to someone. But maybe they’re some kind of poison if ingested. We should find out. That could come in very handy with getting us the hell out of here. And once we’re back in the fight.”
“How are we supposed to meet Dara when we have no time alone up there and he can’t get in?” Archer asks.
I rake a hand through my hair. “She’ll find a way, I guess. We’re supposed to meet her up there in twenty minutes.”
My stomach flutters at the thought. We’re so close to getting the hell out of here.
And yet so many things can still go wrong to ruin everything for us.
Sterling blows out a loud breath, peeking his head out the hall and checking both ways. “How are we getting out?”
“I’m trusting her. She’s the strongest mage I’ve ever met. She can handle it.” I’ve known her a long time.
We all have.
She’s got this.
“Do we tell her about our little birdie?” Sterling asks.
My brows raise at him slipping and calling her by his nickname. “If we want to get her and her jinn out of here, we’ll have to.”
The time for secrets is now past. We’re going to have to explain things to Allegra and the others as well to prepare her for this. And make sure she’s willing to leave.
This is the only home she’s ever known. Freedom and the unknown may be scarier to her than what’s horrible but still familiar.
Archer leans against the wall, crossing his arms and his feet at the ankles. “Don’t forget the mage. There’s no way she’d leave her behind. Besides, once we
get that collar off her, she could be a real help. And she’ll be good protection for Allegra.”
I groan, doubts battering me. “Maybe we should’ve talked to her about all this. What if we make some kind of plan and get everything in place and she refuses to leave without someone?”
Sterling’s jaw hardens as he glares at the floor. “She’ll have a choice to make. I don’t want to leave her here either, but we can’t stay for her when we have responsibilities waiting for us out there.”
It used to be me preaching about responsibilities, but Sterling has made that his catchphrase since we arrived and the first thing we saw was our mate’s big hazel eyes.
“We should talk to Tahira first. She’ll make sure Allegra makes the right choice.”
I’d watched the two of them a lot these past days. Allegra listens to Tahira, respects her opinion, like the woman’s her mother or aunt. If we can get Tahira on board, we’ll get Allegra out of here.
We weren’t that low on greens and potatoes yesterday. Tahira helped Allegra with her plans for the doctor. Perhaps even taught her the trick in the first place.
That old woman has shown herself to be incredibly shrewd.
I like her.
She reminds me of my grandmother.
Which means they can never meet. There’s no telling what the two of them would get up to.
I adore my grandmother and am grateful to her for raising me after my parents were murdered, hiding me from the authorities, but she’s terrifying.
She’ll slice someone’s throat with a smile on her face and then turn around and complain about her garden not flourishing as well this year. Then the next minute, she’s making my stomach churn when she’s going on about the latest male she used her succubus powers against. I hate those stories and she knows it, so she always makes a point to tell me in the most vulgar way possible.
I shudder at the reminder.
Damn terrifying woman.
“Gav? You with us?” Archer frowns at me.
