Page 99 of Zayrik

Forced my breath to stay even.

I met Vask’s gaze, even as the edges of my vision blurred.

Because I wasn’t just enduring for myself.

I was buying time.

Creating purpose from pain.

Vask exhaled slowly through his nose.

“You’re going to break, Nyla.” His voice was filled with certainty.

Like he knew exactly how this would end.

“The only question is how long you want to last.”

I inhaled. A sharp, stinging pain. Nevertheless, under control. Drawing strength from the bond.

I bled.

But I smiled anyway.

“Looks like you’re the one still talking.”

His jaw jerked slightly.

His patience began to crack.

Good.

I just had to hold out a little longer.

Just had to keep him focused on me.

Because Zayrik was coming.

And through our bond, I felt his promise.

There wouldn’t be enough left of Vask to fill a space coffin.

30

Zayrik

THROUGH OUR BOND, HERpain hit me like physical blows. Each cut, each strike, each moment of defiance echoing through our connection.

Making everything inside me scream for violence.

And she was still refusing to break.

The corridors blurred around me as I moved.

Fast.

Deadly.

Untouchable.

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