Page 102 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

She finally drew a full, shaking breath.

“She will be eliminated if you don’t comply, Merrick.”

Frayson’s voice sounded as if from far away.

As if only Merrick’s voice existed in this version of her world.

“Lessia, if you want to bow out, you only have to nod.”

A sharp pain snaking its way up her arm jarred her out of the daze.

“Merrick,” she pleaded.

“I know.” He tucked her wet hair behind her ears before he straightened. “She will continue, but no more water.”

Lifting her dripping face, she took in the room.

Despair lined Frayson’s wrinkled face as he ordered the guards to bring her back into the middle of the room.

The guards who once again lifted her chair showed no emotion, though.

Not one of them met her eyes as they dragged her chair back into place.

The two hooded men gestured for Merrick to take his place before her again.

He shook where he stood, muscles beneath his clothing locking and unlocking, and the guards took a step back from their spots beside him.

The one to her left brushed his hand over the hilt of his sword. “Are you conspiring with the Fae to take over Ellow?”

Her mouth fell open as she stared at the faceless men.

Merrick snarled softly as he also turned his head toward them.

“Answer me!”

Lessia started shaking her head, but her blood chilled when the guard ordered, “Break her ribs.”

“Now!”

She blew out a choked breath.

Then she moved her arms so the snarling Merrick would have better access.

His hair hung in his face when he lifted his fist, and his canines drew blood from biting into his lip.

“It’s all right,” she whispered.

She couldn’t hold back a scream when a loud crack confirmed Merrick hit true.

Losing control over her body, she slumped down as much as the chains would allow, pain pulsating through every limb, and every breath she drew feeling as if a knife cut through her.

“Again!”

With a roar, Merrick spun around. “Give her time to breathe! You’re supposed to be doing this to ask questions, not for the enjoyment of hurting her!”

Drawing shallow breaths, Lessia gasped, “I am not conspiring to take over Ellow.”

“Why not? You’re half-Fae. Punch her again.”

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