Page 31 of Orion: Galaxy Huntress

“Safe,” I replied crisply, preparing for a fight with what I had to deliver. “Far away.”

“What?” Vexlel had me up against the door by my cloak, slamming me hard into the wall, knocking the air from my lungs. “Where the fuck is the star?”

“Patience. You’ll get her.” I brushed him off and withdrew, keeping two paces distance. “When you agree to remove my coven mark and grant me freedom.”

Vexlel snarled and bared teeth. “You belong to me. Your mother made it so.” He didn’t like to part with his toys. Didn’t like to give an inch. With the promise of Little Star’s blood to empower him, he’d want to make his coven bigger, stronger, enough to defend him.

“Yes, and now I want out.” I could not say it any plainer and clearer for him.

He paced along the hall, scrubbing his ticking jaw. “No one bribes me, Reznor. No one.”

He could threaten me all he liked. I wasn’t frightened, but I was wary. If I agreed to give up the prize, he could easily drink from her and come after me, then tear me limb from limb for defying him. Insurance was needed in that case. Drink enough from Little Star to bolster my power and grant me strength to repel him.

“You want her or not?” I asked, tiring of his tantrum.

He turned, targeting his murderous gaze on me. "No one has ever crossed me like this before, Reznor." Vexlel’s voice cut through me like a knife, promising me I would pay for this.

“Swear you will free me and leave me be. Then you will get what you need.”

He pinched the corners of his mouth. “Fine. Bring her to me and you will have your freedom.”

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