Page 74 of Luna's Forgotten Vow

The slap comes hard and fast. I see it coming, but I don't move. The impact turns my face, but I don't fall.

I won't fall.

Even when my back hits the wall, even when my mouth fills with blood, I lift my head.

And I look at him.

Like he's nothing.

He lunges.

His body crashes into mine like a tidal wave. The wind rushes out of me, and suddenly his mouth is on mine, wet, frantic, violent.

I scream into it, trying to turn my head, but he grips my face in both hands, fingers digging into my jaw.

"I have spiraled because of you," he snarls against my lips. "I never used to hit women until you left me, you stupid bitch."

His breath is hot, reeking of alcohol, and it makes my stomach churn.

"I'm done playing nice. You like it rough, don't you?" He yanks my skirt, fabric ripping like paper. Cold air licks my waist, my ass, the inside of my thighs, and I try to shove him off, but he's too strong, too far gone.

I kick at him, scratch, claw at his arms, but he only shoves me harder against the wall, gripping my thigh.

"Part your legs, Fina," he hisses. "It's all you're good for anyway."

Terror grips me like a vice. My nails dig into his shoulders, finding skin, drawing blood. I twist, scream, spit in his face, but he doesn't stop. He kisses my neck, fondles my breasts, pushes my thighs apart, grinding against me with his erection.

His finger curls under my panties?—

Knock.

The sound is jarring, like thunder crashing through a nightmare. I scream louder and he slaps his palm over my mouth to muffle the sound as his head whips around.

Another knock, louder this time.

He freezes. Breathing hard. Chest heaving.

I take advantage of the distraction, shoving him with everything I have. It knocks him off balance, just enough for me to wrench myself away, stumbling half-naked across the floor, holding the scraps of my clothes to my body.

The door handle jiggles.

"Ronan?" a voice calls. Tova.

Ronan glares at the door like it's betrayed him. My entire body trembles with shock and fear. I shiver, even if the room is hot. "What?"

A small pause. "Dean was looking for you. There's a problem, Ron. Soren's gone and Landon's missing."

CHAPTER 25

SOREN

Lucid dreams.

I couldn't tell dream apart from reality. But there were certain moments that didn't blur together with the days.

Dusk. Because the signal—a shot of red in the sky—would go off at that time.

Dawn. Because the sky reminded me of Seraphina's doe eyes.

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