Page 84 of Where Darkness Falls

Yet, I desire to dream.

I want to do so with her by my side because I feel less alone when she’s near.

She’s the balm to my weary soul.

Suddenly, unease prickles along my spine as I round a corner.

“You ssssssseem lighter, High General,” Domhnall calls out.

If I wasn’t already used to the soulless creature’s appearances, I would’ve sent my shadows to snake around the urchin. However, I can’t harm the creature since Tiernan decreed that injuring the Scythe was a death sentence for any that dared. If I defy his orders, the brand on my chest throbs, cutting off my air supply—disabling me.

Cursed oath.

My gaze meets the eerie red eyes of the hideous creature.

“Indeed,” I say, nonchalantly. “It’s the fact that I haven’t had to stare at your disturbing face for the last two weeks. Truly, it does wonders for my well-being.”

Domhnall hisses.

“I’m referring to your conversssation with—what did you call her—Rosssssey, isssss it?” he retorts.

My blood chills as I clench my fists.

“Her name is Maeva. You misheard, Domhnall. Perhaps you really should get those holes in the side of your head checked to make sure they still work properly,” I reply coldly.

My sarcastic comment doesn’t seem to phase the creature as he continues.

“Hisssss majesssssty will be ssssso disssspleassssed to hear that hissssss sssssson confidesssss more in her than him,” he taunts.

Though Domhnall can’t see it, I’m about to break a tooth from the pressure of my clamped jaw.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you it’s rude to eavesdrop?” I retort.

The Scytheleans its head to the side. “I never had a mother,” he responds.

“Perhaps if you had, you wouldn’t be so insufferable,” I quip.

“You sssssssseem quite taken with her,” he says, turning the conversation. “And ssssssheee ssseemssss quite fffond of you. Are there romantic feelingssss, General?”

Bloody urchin.

For the last decade, he’s ruined any ounce of merriment I’ve found. The king desires to be the only one to whom I’m loyal. Even with the Cadre, I have to pretend to only be High General to keep them safe, so he won’t harm them.

If he were to believe my loyalty is elsewhere, I fear he would hurt her—even if she is his prize.

My posture stiffens as I straighten to my full height.

I can’t allow that.

I shouldn’t have been so careless—even within her chamber. I should’ve known Tiernan would have Domhnall spy on my every move. Even in private, I’m still a prisoner.

I’ll never truly be free.

And I brought Maeva here to receive the same fate.

I’m naïve to believe that I deserve even an ounce of joy, especially when Tiernan takes it away so easily and I?—

I would be forced to watch.

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