Page 141 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I grit my teeth with so much force that my jaw pops. While I’m not usually a violent person, I want nothing more than to go out there and punch both of them in the face. The only thing that stops me is that I’m wound and doped up.

I suck in a breath, reining in my rage the best that I can, and instead listen. But the room grows quiet, so I’m assuming they left.

What I want to know is why Eli has a vendetta against Maddy. Is it because Maddy is an Everford? Even if that’s true, that still doesn’t explain why Eli is so fixated on her. Unless he knows and is slowly hunting her?

That thought puts me on edge.

But no. There’s no way that could be true. Eli is an asshole, but a killer …? There’s no way.

And yet, the drop of doubt residing inside me has me questioning everything.

Maddison

The first thing I notice when I return to consciousness is the warmth of sunlight casting across my face. The next is that my head is pounding, and my mouth tastes like ass.

I roll my eyes open and flip over from my side and onto my back. It takes a second to process where I am—in River’s room, surrounded by blue walls, lying in his comfortable bed.

I’m here because I was jumped yesterday by the society. Jumped and drugged, then dragged into the woods, where I woke up confused. I thought I was going to rot out there, but River found me because of the GPS on the watch he gave me.

Wait … River …

Noah …

“Shit.” It all comes rushing back to me.

Did River save Noah?

Did River make it back safely?

Panicking, I sit up, but I move too quickly and the room spins.

“Ugh.” I press my hand to my forehead as the pulsating magnifies. Summoning a few breaths, I scoot to the edge of the bed, stand up, and make my way to the door. My legs wobble like noodles, and every muscle in my body gripes in protest.

I don’t care if they’re rich. I’m going to make the society pay for what they did to me.

Although I have a ton of other problems to worry about, I will get my revenge. Somehow.

But after I get better because, right now, I’m a mess.

When I reach the door, I brace my hand against the wall as I twist the door knob. Then I step out of the room. The dorm is hauntingly quiet, an indicator that no one is here. Worry stirs in me as I pad toward the living room, the floor cold against my bare feet.

I’m wearing a T-shirt and a pair of boxers that belong to River. I feel weird about the idea of anyone seeing me in this, but when I spot River in the kitchen in a pair of sweats and a shirt, drinking a cup of coffee, all worries about attire float away.

“Did everything go okay?” I ask, my voice hoarse.

River startles, his gaze snapping to me. He stares at me for a slamming heartbeat. Then, with a blink, he walks toward me. He’s moving slow, as if he’s exhausted. And his shoulders are slouched inward, and his legs seem stiff.

“You should stay in bed, at least for today.” He stops in front of me, his gaze roaming all over me. “You’ve been through a lot.”

I ignore him. “Is Noah okay?”

He nods, strands of his dark hair falling into his eyes. “He’s at his dorm. Finn’s okay, too—everyone is.”

I smash my lips together as a wave of relief washes over me. Tears start to burn in my eyes. I’m not even positive why, other than my mind and body have been through a lot.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” He cups my face between his hands. “Everyone’s safe. The debts are paid. You’re free from Drew, and no one will come after you anymore.”

I think about the society and if they’re included in that. But I don’t want to gripe to him. He’s already done enough for me.

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