Saphira keeps her voice steady, though the weight of her situation presses heavily against her chest. “I don’t want to be here any more than you do, and I don’t want a mating-especially a forced one. I just want to be free, even in the human world. Jed knew this, which is why he gave me protection.” She tries to exin, hoping he understands.
“How long have you known Jed?” His tone sharpens,ced with something dangerous.
“Not even two days,” she admits, forcing herself not to shrink under his re. “He was the one who collected me and brought me here.” It’s the truth, but she can feel his anger crackling in the space between them.
“And he gave you protection after two days? Why? Did you promise him something?” His usation is pointed, demanding.
“I don’t know why,” she says quickly. “He said he felt he needed to. I haven’t promised him anything, I swear.” She meets his gaze, willing him to believe
her.
“I don’t believe you.” His voice is cold now, unforgiving. “I know him better than anyone, and that doesn’t sound like him.”
Then, suddenly, the realization ms into her with terrifying certainty. Out of all the people she could have been paired with-it had to be him. The one who has killed everyone.
“Oh goddess, you’re Niks Arrax, aren’t you?” The words tumble from Saphira’s lips before she can stop them.
The instant they leave her mouth, she is mmed against the wall. Pain jolts through her back as strong hands pin her shoulders in ce, trapping her.
“How do you know my name? Who really sent you?” His voice is a sneer, razor-sharp with suspicion.
Even though he is right in front of her—his grip firm, unyielding-he turns his head away, keeping his face hidden from view. She strains to get a glimpse, but it’s useless. He is cloaked in a ck hoodie, the shadows conspiring to keep his features obscured. But one thing is clear-he is impossibly strong.
“Jed told me,” she blurts out, willing her voice to remain steady. “I am not here for you. I had no choice.”
His grip doesn’t loosen.
“Jed knows not to mention my name,” Niks growls, his voiceced with something dark and dangerous. “Whether you have our protection or not. Now tell me the truth.”
Saphira barely breathes. She can feel his aura pressing against her, thick with power-an undeniable force that exudes danger in every pulse. The weight of it is suffocating.
“Ask him then,” Saphira pleads, her voice edged with desperation. “I’m telling you the truth. I swear, I don’t know why he told me, but it was at the same time he gave me the protection mark.”
Her heart pounds as she waits for his response, every second stretching unbearably. Then, suddenly, his grip loosens.
Without another word, he steps back, retreating into the shadows.
“Let me make this clear,” his voicees, colder now, unwavering. “The only reason I haven’t killed you yet is because of Jed. Once I sort this out, that may not be the case. Just stay away from me.”
And then-he’s gone, swallowed by the darkness.
Saphira exhales sharply, realizing only now that she had been holding her breath. She steadies herself, relief washing over her that Niks hadn’t killed her -yet. But how long would thatst? The thought lingers, unsettling, as she nces around the room.
Spotting a light switch, she flicks it on. The sudden illumination reveals the space in full-a small, confined area, barely offering anyfort. She casts her gaze toward the spot where Niks had disappeared and notices a door. The bedroom, she assumes.
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