Page 40 of Sins of the Stone

Still, there were two more clinging to him, attempting to tear into his body. With a snarl, he peeled them away, causing additional injuries as they fruitlessly clung to him. He slammed one against the ground, shattering its skull with his fist before turning to the other and tossing it away. When it returned, he struggled to stand but managed to grab it and force it against a tree, snapping its neck before it fell limp like so many of its other victims.

He took little consolation in the deaths, but if he did not defend himself, he would not be able to save Ursulette. When he finally took a calming breath and assessed his injuries, his chest tightened as he realized he would not be able to fly the rest of the way.

His tendon severely wounded and oozing with deep crimson. He could fly a short distance, but landing and popping back into the air would take more time than simply walking, so against his wishes, he continued his trek to save his treasure. His body burned with the flow of blood seeping from claw and teeth marks, but it would be worth it to save her.

If she was still alive.

Chapter 26

Ursulette

Ursulette had her knees to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs in a pitiful attempt to keep warm. The weather had been getting increasingly aggressive as the day went on, and she wondered when Ramuz would arrive and free her.

A matted bed of straw lay beneath her feet, making her appreciate the bed they shared at home. What she would give to go back and sleep there again. Ramuz deserved to live his life to the fullest while he could. She was a human, one of many, not exceptional. Her heart turned, thinking of the sorrow he would go through if she didn’t make it through this, but she wasn’t willing to give up her convictions so easily.

A gentle snow again fell from the inky night sky, filling the air with frozen little stars. She watched as a few flakes came through the holes in the roof, making her shiver. A dribble of snot oozed from her nose as she fought back tears, not wanting to break down and give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her cry. With the back of her hand, she wiped away the liquid, giving another sniff, swallowing back the lump in her throat.

Just then, creaking footsteps pulled her from her sorrow. The sound got closer, and the wood almost sounded like it would give way beneath the heavy steps. She hoped it was Giles or, even better, Ramuz. With hopes raised, she stood up, ready to bolt from the cell. However, her confidence was dashed when the sound stopped, and the figure turned the corner, giving her a devilish grin.

“Omar,” she said darkly.

What I would give to break his nose again.

“Hey, Ursulette,” he snickered, his face looking oh-so punchable. His expression made her want to vomit, and another sickening realization was slowly creeping up on her.

Why would he come here alone?

There was only one reason he would want to be here without others to bolster him against themonster lover. He was going to do something he didn’t want people to see. With a gulp, she stepped back, him pulling out the keys and unlocking it. The door appeared heavy, even for him, and the metal screamed as the cell door slid to the side, allowing him access to her.

With eyes watching every little movement he made, she saw him pull the door closed, trapping them inside. He turned to her, stuffing the keys into his front pocket.

“You really did stoop so low,” he grinned, his arms crossed, the light of the moon coming through the cracks in the ceiling and walls. “I really did like you, Ursulette, but you chose a monster over me? That’s quite the insult.” She lowered her eyes at him. With fists curling, she readied herself for an attack, but there was none. Though his slimy gaze and arrogant stance were enough to make her feel more than uneasy.

He didn’t just come here to talk.

“You don’t understand at all. You could never amount to anything compared to him,” she said, thinking of all the kind things Ramuz had done in contrast to the harassment she faced from him. His idea of adoration was breaking someone down until they gave in, but that wasn’t what love was. There was nothing he could do to even remotely compare to her monster. Omar laughed as if her proclamation was absurd.

It deepened her blush, though it was more out of anger than anything else. She bit her tongue, holding back her rage, in case the coward went crying to the others that themonster loverinjured him. She didn’t want violence. All she wanted was for them to be left alone. They weren’t hurting anyone, but in their eyes, it was a sin.

“It doesn’t matter how I am compared to him. The crucial difference isthat I’mhuman,” he taunted, his words clearly leading to something much darker. Her anger flowed into fear, knowing if she were to try anything, she wouldn’t be able to defend herself.

“So if you’re going to love or be with orfuckanyone, it has to be a human.” With his words, her heart rate increased, her previously chilly body now feeling warm with terror. Omar took a step forward, practically cornering her.

“So I’m giving you one last chance,” he said. She could feel her teeth chattering and strength fading. Reaching out, he grabbed her by the chin.

“Maybe I can convert you,” he purred with an impish expression. “Maybe if you prove you’ve changed, we won’t have to execute you.” With a heart threatening to beat straight through her chest, she swiped his hand away in one last defiant act.

“How dare you?” she said. “You’re worse than the creatures you hate.” Her face still felt hot, praying that he would back down, as that was all the defense she could give. With her last meal being at least a day ago and without protection from the elements, it was tough to gather the strength to fight.

Omar’s face was twisted, infuriated that she dared lay a hand on him, and she was more than likely wanting to get revenge for their last encounter before the village had been reduced to ash.

“Stubborn bitch,” he snarled, seizing her wrist and forcing her to the ground below. With strength fading, she fell and landed on the snow-dampened hay. However, she didn’t have much time to process as Omar grabbed her by the hair, making her rise to her knees to prevent the pain.

“Let go.” Gritting her teeth together, she dug her nails into his hand. With her eyes pinched simultaneously shut, she paid no attention to what Omar was doing until she felt his mouth against hers, sparking her fear as if he were sucking the life right out of her with the force of his kiss.

Her eyes widened, terror almost causing her to scream, but that was exactly what he wanted. His insipid, oily tongue was trying to force its way into her mouth, her eyes burning with anger.

The violation was unpleasant as he slipped between her teeth, entwining with hers. More than unpleasant, she wanted to scream, cry, break down,run to Ramuz, beg for him to save her, hold her, and yet, he was not here.

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