Page 135 of A Drop of Anguish
They both gasp.
“He already knows more about this than he’s supposed to, so I don’t feel bad.” I point to Thompson’s chest. “But you better not share this information with anyone else or I’ll use that instant death potion on you.”
He blinks. “I knew that wasn’t just a poison.”
“I am not Jarron’s chosen.” The burn comes hard and fast this time, but I give it a moment to see if Lola and Janet can release me from the vow. “I know because…” The pain eases, and I release a relieved breath. “It was my sister, not me. Liz was Jarron’s chosen. And she died, or we thought she did. She’s actually still alive, and I think that’s the reason for his demon fighting him—she’s alive, but he still wants me, and he’s split between us.”
He searches my face for a long moment.
“No,” he mumbles. “No. Don’t believe it.”
Janet’s arm curls around mine. “Liz is alive?” she whispers.
“Yes, but it’s very complicated, and I don’t have time to explain it all. The point is, Jarron could very much still hurt me because I’m not his chosen. I wish I was, but—”
“Bullshit,” Thompson says. “He hasn’t told you this, right? He can’t. And he hasn’t bonded with her. So, no, I don’t believe it. I’ve seen it, Candice. I thought maybe I was wrong when he came back and didn’t pursue you but after the way he reacted to seeing the wolf bite, I’ve been one hundred percent convinced. All of the pieces fit. His demon magic comes out in those moments. With your theory, it would only be him who cares, but it’s not. His demon is enamored with you.”
“That’s what you want to be true, Thompson. That doesn’t make it—”
“He won’t hurt you! And you’re right, I need it to be true because if it’s not we’re all going to die.”
I shake my head and curse under my breath.
“The Jarron I know will burn this world down for you. Especially right now, in this state. He will kill anyone in his way. I don’t think you’re in danger at all right now. But we are. The only way to save us is for us to keep climbing… and for you to run the other way.”
55
What If You’re Wrong?
My throat dries, but somehow my mind clears. Laser focus on what I have to do.
“What if you’re wrong?” I whisper.
Jarron is in epic demon mode, stalking his prey. One wrong move and I’m dead. He could do it on accident even.
If I’m his chosen, as Thompson believes, he’ll be focused on keeping me safe. If I’m not, I’ll be expendable to a wild animal that’s angry and scared.
“You might still survive,” Thompson answers. “Or he might kill you. But what do you think our chances are if you run with us?”
I look up at the wall, knowing I can’t climb it. Not without help. Again, I’m the weakling, pulling everyone else down with me. I let out a final shaky breath, and when I release it—
A roar blasts through the open cavern.
“The only way any of us survives this is if we can wake Jarron up from whatever this spell is. And you are the only one who can do that.”
I nod, trying to pretend my lips aren’t trembling. “Go without me. If you’re wrong, at least you can survive and share what happened.”
My horrified stare twists to find the monstrous demon slowly stepping out from the shadows of the tunnel.Shit.
He splays his wings out wide. His are talons long, sharp, and glistening.
“Go,” I order Thompson without pulling my gaze from the monster.
This alien may be running on all instinct, but if there is anyone who can reach him right now, it’s me.
So, I have to try. Because the alternative is allowing my friends to die helping me.
I can be the distraction while they flee. My chances of survival might be slim, but it’s more than theirs would be. It’s a worthy trade.
