Page 169 of Vicious Is My Throne

Walk in the park, princess. Raz didn’t sound the least bit bothered he was about to step into the lair of the most powerful being on our world.

Hear that? Tavion’s arms went around me. Raz thinks this place is a park.

Fuck off, wolf. When I call for you, be ready to move.

Unlike you, I’m always ready.

I grit my teeth. I couldn’t shake the feeling we were mice in a maze, herded toward an inevitable dead end.

Then Raz was gone, leaving me facing what I hadn’t seen before.

My panicked breaths frosted the air before Tristan clamped his hand over my mouth and dragged me backward into the shadows.

I panted against Tristan’s palm, and he gripped me tighter.

Corvus was right in front of us, creeping toward the cave opening, seemingly oblivious, a snarl of vines and thorns and grotesque spikes, gleaming like he’d been dunked in oil. He had no face, but his malevolent presence churned up what little was in my stomach, my blood turning thick and sludgy.

He wore no crown, but like Gelvira’s stone, an aura of dark fire burned around him, maybe the afterglow from sucking the world dry. Wave after wave of malice rocked through me, every one sending us staggering back a step.

In position. Behind a pile of rocks…and fucking bones, from what I can see.

He’s a big fucker. Raziel paused, and through our connection I got a mental picture, looking up and up and up.

Yeah, we can see that. Tristan loosened his grip on my mouth, and I sucked in a foul, panicked breath. Will our plan still work even with this new angle of attack?

Angle of attack?

I whirled around to read Tristan’s face, but he wrapped his arms around me, pinning the sword between us so I was trapped by that inflexible length pressing along my spine, both of us staring out at the incomprehensible adversary we were about to face.

With adjustments. Since we’re not going in through the front, Tristan will wait until last to make his grand entrance. Zor, I need you to break right, and Tavion, you break left as soon as you clear the fissure.

I fought harder, but Tristan’s grip was stronger than an immovable vise.

You are not going out there without me. Let me go.

I’ll take the left as well, Raz continued, clearly ignoring me which just pissed me off. We’ll push him away from the mouth of the cave, giving ourselves more room to maneuver. Tristan, once we’re in position, you know what to do.

Do not ignore me. I am right fucking here. I raged within Tristan’s arms, fueled by fear and adrenaline and anger.

I am not staying behind. Don’t any of you so much as dare leave me here.

Who said anything about leaving you behind? Raz chuckled into my head, and I went ballistic, bringing my boot heel down on Tristan’s foot, whirling around—this time successfully—to stick my finger in his face.

But Tristan wasn’t laughing. None of them were. His eyes burned so fiercely as he lay his closed fist on his chest, over the hideous mark branded there.

It has been our honor to serve you. If we all fall here today, we will find you again, Anaria.

Zor’s gentle smile lit up his entire face and sent my heart thundering. No matter how long it takes us, or what world we’re on, we’ll find you and make you our queen.

No. I shook my head. We are not doing this. If anyone’s giving a sacrificial lamb speech, it’s going to be me.

That’s why we decided to tell you now. Tavion’s tender wink had me digging the heels of my palms into my eyes. You always get to be the noble one. Wickedly long fangs flashed as he grinned. I have to say, I see the appeal.

Princess. I need you to focus.

Raz’s firm voice had me straightening, checking to make sure the weapon was secure. My laces on my boots were tied tight, my hair braided back and tucked down into my jacket as he gave one final order, meant only for me.

Once we get Corvus into position and Tristan’s shifted into his wyvern, you’ll have your chance, Anaria, so you’ll have to be ready.

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