na'

ds as if it were just an everyday routine. The others formed an inner ring around me and not a single cha

I stumbled trying to keep up as they dragged me. For them, I was not even the daughter of the p

ibs as terror crawled through my body. My step throbbed with yesterday's bruising. My memory kept playin

r refusing that, what would he do now? Wo

ourtyard and then down the corridors of the palace, my skin covered in bruises and blood as they dragged me across the rough gr

fidence that made my stomach twist. His face had this look as he saw me, but not from

I almost thought you would not come." His voice was s

ght despite the excruciating pain in my ankle

ke a victim. You should be grateful I even

ite

being dragged to the p

at you want?"

ses which he had left on me. No shame there. No apologies or even a flicker of

ally do something useful,

opped. "What

lands are weak and not bearing good food, livestock's are dying. Our people a

. Confused. "Help

smirk. "The Crims

ught. "The t

lves. Powerful. Respected. Feared. They agreed to give u

pered by the traders and travelers. The twins were strong rul

offer them?" I

nto mine, and I felt something cold sett

owing my eyes as I w

ou

ould hardly breathe. "Me? Damon.

st normal thing in the world. "The kings were told you are

"You can't do that. You can't send me to them. Dam

ries. And you don't have a choice. The kings want a breed

"I'm not a thing to give away. I'm not a ba

id, as he laughed and some of th

od in the way. "Damon, please... please don't do this.

ugged.

How can you say tha

d you're not even useful to me here. A

but I blinked them aw

wil

ime. "I won't go to them. I

d. "You really think

o answer that. My s

ward me, boots stumping on the stone floor, echoing. When

nd it won't be quic

an down m

st fell to the floor. "Damo

ected. "You will be the co

," I said again, although my voice was

nt. His face grew darker, colder.

," he

s. The guards stepped

on-w

e at me. He didn't hesit

flat, emotio

into the