Page 50 of The Prince of Power

The Milgram experiment was the wrong topic for this presentation.

I should have chosen Stockholm Syndrome.

But I can’t think about that now. “Stop!” I shout, trying to wriggle my way free from the tight hold of the man behind me. “Don’t hurt him!”

The blade flashes in the dim light as Damian presses it against the side of Connor’s throat. Connor’s mouth opens, then closes. His wide eyes dart between Damian’s face and the blade.

He doesn’t struggle. He doesn’t even move.

My own blood turns to ice.

“This is assault!” I yell, twisting against the arms holding me back. “Let him go, or I swear to God, I’ll go to the police!”

Damian doesn’t even glance at me.

He keeps his eyes on Connor, his grip steady, his expression eerily calm—like this is just a minor inconvenience, nothing worth getting upset about.

“Ava.” His voice is quiet. “Were you aware of the rules?”

I scoff, yanking against the hands restraining me. “I didn’t think doing a group project—which is in a class we both attend, by the way—would be violating the rules of a stupid fraternity.”

Damian’s thumb rubs the hilt of the knife. “Ava.” His voice is even softer now. “Were you aware of the rules?”

I exhale sharply, looking away. I was aware of the rules. I’m not supposed to leave the castle for anything but class.

But after that evening in the library with Damian, I forgot who he really is.

Never again.

“Yes,” I say.

“Then say the words.Domine serviam tibi.”

I shake my head. “I will after you put away that knife.”

For a quick moment, Damian smiles. Then it fades in an instant, as if a light were shutting off.

“You’re making it worse for this…person, little doll. Say the words.”

I swallow hard. “Domine serviam tibi.”

I’m not even sure if I said it correctly, but Damian says something faintly under his breath that sounds like, “Good girl.”

Sickening.

It would have made me warm inside even just ten minutes ago.

I’m losing myself. And it has to stop.

Damian finally—finally—removes the knife from Connor’s throat, though he still has him pinned against the wall. Damian smiles. “I’m Damian Cross.”

Connor’s chest heaves. “I-I know.”

Damian nods once. “Then you should’ve known better. Ava is mine. You try to get her in a room alone, you evenlookat her the wrong way…” He leans in. “People disappear all the time around here. The ocean, you know. Lots of drownings.”

Drownings? My God, this man is insane.

Connor releases a choked sound, something between a gasp and a sob. “I won’t… I promise.”

---