Page 97 of Zayrik

His grip was like iron. Unshakable.

Like all the nightmares I’d run from.

I snarled, straining against him. Didn’t care if I broke myself trying.

Because I wasn’t just fighting for me anymore.

I was fighting forus.

Vask only chuckled.“There’s that fire.”

His fingers tightened. “Let’s see how long it lasts.”

Through our bond, I felt Zayrik’s presence surge stronger. Like he was trying to reach me. Like he was answering my pain with a promise.

Vask’s grip didn’t loosen as he reached for his blade.

He let me see it. The slow, deliberate pull from his belt. The way the edge glinted under the dim lights.

Every movement calculated to inspire fear.

Not rushed. Not reckless.

Because this wasn’t about hurting me.

It was about breaking me.

“This doesn’t have to be difficult,” he murmured.

But it did.

Because I wasn’t just protecting a crystal anymore.

I was protectingZayrik.

Protectingus.

Protecting everything we could be if I survived this.

I breathed through the pain. Kept my mouth shut.

Pushed determination through our bond, letting Zayrik feel my resolve.

My choice.

Vask’s smirk deepened. Like he was hoping I’d fight him.

Like hewantedme to make it worse for myself.

He had no idea what was coming.

No idea what he’d awakened by threatening a Protectorate warrior’s mate.

“Just give me the crystal, girl.” He tapped the blade against his palm. “Say the words, and this all ends.”

I lifted my chin. My voice flat. Drawing strength from the fury burning through our connection.

“Goflutzyourself.”

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