Page 125 of Broken Shadows

I shrug noncommittally, then lower my voice to a sultry caress. “Tell me more.”

Eva giggles and I almost vomit. “Your brother held me as we waited for you to awaken.” Her eyes widen so far it would be comical if not for the present circumstances. “Please, you have to believe me. I didn't a-and I still don't want Samuel. It'salwaysbeen you. Everything I've done has been for you, Love.”

I cannot describe the utter revulsion and level of loathing I have for this despicable creature.

“So, it was then that I finally took action. I used your brother to show you just how much I love you and make you see you love me too. I sent him away as I formulated a plan.” She sighs wistfully, then winks. “And, I might have touched every inch of your skin while I did so.”

A shudder ripples over my skin, then I straighten my spine.

No.

I fucking refuse to allow her the power to finally ruin me. I curl a wisp of shadows in my palm, ready to strike.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Evie

My heart withers as I crouch in the shadows of the barely illuminated cold stone chamber. I wish I could look away but I can’t.

A small smile curves my lips as a kernel of smugness preens that the plan might actually work. By now Lucifer should be in place, listening to the putrid web of lies and deception his lover spun, and waiting for my signal.

City destroying levels of rage rise beneath my skin the longer I watch, my magic pushing angrily against my confines as Evangeline lusts after Lorcan. My demon held captive in the fucking cage that haunts him like an enthusiastic poltergeist. Power hums from the bars with invisible waves, like heat rippling above pavement.

Not only did she destroy Lorcan’s family, she violated him while I was in the same fucking castle.

I will my side of our bond to remain closed and silent, locking away the part of myself that feels everything too intensely, while the remainder—and larger portion—screams into the night for blood.

Evangeline laughs and flaps a hand coyly. “Anyway, it was then that I knew I had to use your other brothers as well if I were to get what I deserve: You and the crown.” Eva leans forward, delusion clouding her eyes and unrequited love seeping from her every pore.

And there it is.

The proof we’ve been waiting for.

I roll back my shoulders, take in a breath, then shed any reticence, unleashing the real me.

My.

True.

Bloodthirsty.

Dark.

Self.

Lorcan growls in pain as I stalk towards Evangeline, my light footsteps lost in the sounds, shadows streaming off me like ribbons. Everything around me sharpens as I glance at Lorcan’s broken body, then quickly look away. My fingers curl and my upper lip pulls back.

I can’t wait to fucking kill her.

I stab my fingers into her hair, yank her away from the cage, and slam her face into the bars with a resounding crunch. Goosebumps ripple down my tattooed arms and a grin blossoms across my face as blood splatters in every direction.

“Evie,” Lorcan croaks, but I resist meeting his eyes.

I hold her against the wards, perhaps enjoying her flailing arms a little too much. While the bitch may not have any magic left, she still houses the essence of a witch, and the wards know it. She screams and thrashes as I lean into her back and shove her harder into the searing magic.

Evangeline struggles against me. “You little bitch. Lorcan ismine.”

I sigh, then lower my mouth to her ear. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. Heloves meso much that he…” I pause, “Imprinted. On. Me.”

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