Page 360 of Kingdoms of Night

I cried out, head tossed back, but nothing came out of my throat.

Whatever he was doing to me, I was defenseless against it. All I saw as my eyes closed were colors and swirls of energy. Then, symbols began to display themselves behind my eyelids.

My heart raced, my chest heaved. I couldn’t breath. I was locked in a silent scream as Elian did something to me.

It hit me like a pile of stones.

He was claiming me. It was all becoming reality, not just words, no longer just a deal.

I’d made a vow to an immortal pirate, and there was no turning back.

Then, he released me. He caught me by my elbow as I stumbled backward.

“Easy,” he said. “Easy, love. You’re safe. Its done.”

Once I steadied myself, I looked up at him with tears in my eyes.

He patted me on the shoulder. “Now, you have one day to collect your things, say your goodbyes, and meet me back at my ship. While you do so, I will put the spell in motion. You will need to prepare them for the shifts in energy. This is a major spell…and it will be felt collectively. You will see it—with your second sight if you’re looking. We are now linked, and it cannot be broken unless one of us dies.”

I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks.

He wiped my tear with his thumb. “You’re not my servant, or my slave,” he said, and tilted my trembling chin upward. His voice softened. It was suddenly tender. “I’ve claimed you as more than that. My mate, my equal, my one true treasure.”

His words surprised me. Did he truly feel something for me?

I didn’t have the courage or strength to ask.

I simply nodded, and regained my composure. “Very well.”

He smiled. “This time tomorrow, I’ll be ready for you, and the entire sea-folk race will be saved.”

“Until tomorrow then, Elian,” I said in more of a whisper than I’d intended.

He waved, watching me closely. “Until tomorrow.”

Turning my back on him, I walked along the pier. My tavern awaited just across the street.

A quick glance over my shoulder revealed that Elian still stood on the pier, watching the waves lap in the distance.

What had I just done?

I wiped a fresh tear from my cheek.

I did what I had to.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

THE LAST DAY

One day.

That’s all I had left for my freedom.

The hours were slipping through my fingers faster than I could hold onto them.

After my meeting with Elian, I raced to tie up the loose ends of my life.

My mission was over. I should be happy.

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