Page 122 of Hell Bound

As we patrolled, Deasley ran harder and faster than he’d ever attempted to before. A cloud had hung over him since the Illicit carriages had arrived.

He was still panting, his thoughts a dark mutter in the back of my head, when we returned to the castle.

I shifted as we crossed the bridge once more and led us back to pack quarters.

Jovran immediately began plans as soon as he was in demon form. “We haven’t been ordered to attend to the guests, so we should use this time wisely. We have to ensure your footwork is flawless, Deasley.”

I nodded to him. “Resume training. If any others arrive, I’ll take care of them.”

I pushed the door to our den open and Deasley, about to say something, froze.

Lilith was there, her dark eyes fixed on me.

Waiting for me to return.

“Go,” I commanded the pack gruffly, letting them file past me before I shut the door. Pypentha gave us an uneasy glance over her shoulder before vanishing into the warren. “Why are you here? The servants are everywhere.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. Ever since Asmodeus had thrown that tiny, yet damning scrap of cloth in my face, I’d known what had to be done.

And that could not involve my willpower breaking down, or taking her into my arms, or laying her out on the couch and kissing her body from head to toe.

All I had to do was look at her throat, and all I could see was my own hands wrapped around it, staining it black and violet with bruises as the curse-chains forced me to strangle the life out of her.

Choke the life out of her, Morningstar. Feel her bones crush in your grip. Watch her gasp her last breaths beneath your touch.

All he would have to do is whisper it in my ear, exert his will, and I would be forced to obey.

Hana was right—being a lovesick fool would only get us killed.

If I could not escape the Infernal Court of my own free will, I had to release Lilith until I could find a way to getherout.

I didn’t realize how harshly I’d spoken to her until Lilith raised her chin, eyes flashing. “I wanted to see you. Is that a crime now?”

I looked everywhere but at her, picturing all the things he could force me to do… but everywhere I looked, there were nothing but instruments of torture.

That dagger on the table could be shoved in her heart. The sword Jovran had left in a corner—her head would roll easily.

The wall? Perfect for bashing her brains out.

The floor… he’d tell me to straddle her, tell her my last loving words, before he commanded me to gut her with my own claws.

“You can’t be here. Leave, and stay in your rooms. The delegations are here.” I held open the door, but she remained planted in place, her arms crossed over chest… which pushed her breasts up the slightest bit, making my mouth water to graze my teeth over them.

Do not look at her,I reminded myself. When I saw her, I was weak.

“I just want to talk.” She held out her hands, taking a step forward. “I’ve been locked in there for days…”

She was waiting, giving me an opening to love her, to reassure her, to do anything in my power to make this better.

I could do nothing but get her killed.

“The pack needs to train. You should remain locked in there, where you are safe.”

I released the door and walked away. Following my pack to the showers, keeping my eyes fixed ahead of me…

Because if I knew she was there, I would turn around.

I would risk it all.

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