Page 61 of Dragon King's Cursed Mate

“Where’s Dain?”

“He’s probably out somewhere, saving kittens. Why? Do you need a tip on how to be a hero?”

Zorne stepped forward again and shot a thin black and silver string of magic at her.

Seraphina forced her mind to focus inward to deal with the pain, as it felt as though there were a thousand needles poking her from the inside.

“Where’s Dain?”

She spat blood onto the stone floor. “Why? Planning on hitting him up for lessons on how to competently run a kingdom?”

Malakar growled and nodded.

A red line shot into her. Icy hooks impaled all of her muscles, pulling in different directions. The excruciating pain made her wince, even as she forced her mind to focus on the image of the goddess and ask for protection.

The baby stirred and she shifted her attention to the tiny dragon shifter growing inside of her. She wrapped her mind around the baby.Be strong. Endure.

Zorne moved his hand slightly and a searing flame engulfed her, burning her flesh, singeing her hair.

Seraphina’s vision blurred from the pain that exploded inside and outside of her body. The chains holding her down bit into her wrists. Her chair was covered in sweat and blood.

Finally, the fire subsided. She gasped for air.

Malakar laughed as if he’d just heard the funniest joke in the world. “Where. Is. Dain?”

“He’s off doing what real kings do—earning the loyalty of the people so he can take back his throne. Unlike some kings, who can only become leaders by treachery and cruelty.” She smiled serenely at him. “Unlike some people I won’t name.” She gave a fake cough. “Malakar.”

“Again.”

The line from Zorne’s hand was blue. It connected with the metal chair, and Seraphina felt an untold amount of electricity exploding inside her body. It felt like every organ in her body was going to pop at any moment, leaving her with nothing but sludge inside.

Her vision dimmed. It would be so easy to give into the darkness, but she couldn’t. She had to fight for the baby’s sake and for Dain’s.

She put her hand over her stomach.Be strong, she told the life within her. Hold on. You are not born yet, but you are fire and ice, storm and sight.You are your father's daughter, and you are mine. And we do not break.

Seraphina wasn’t sure when the electricity stopped, but it didn’t matter. Every nerve in her body screamed in pain.

Malakar circled her, like a vulture that’s spotted its prey. “Where’s Dain?”

Instead of answering, she sent a message to the goddess.I cannot endure much longer. If I die, so be it, but I have the child.

Through the pain, Seraphina felt something inside of her flicker. The bond between her and Dain told her that he was coming. He was the storm, and he would save her.

Malakar sensed her emotions change. “You think he’ll come and save you. He’ll fail. He’ll see you broken, and it will destroy him.”

She closed her eyes and refused to speak.

He turned away from her, laughing. “Now comes the fun part. Unchain her.”

The guards quickly released her from the chair. Her relief was short-lived however, when they chained her to hooks hanging from the ceiling. She had to stand on her toes to keep from dangling.

Malakar walked in front of her, holding a horse whip. “You and I are going to have some fun with this.”

Seraphina focused on Dain.Hurry before there’s nothing left of me to save,she begged.

I’m coming.

24

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