Page 138 of A Drop of Anguish
“They’re back there,” I say, pointing across the way to the tunnel we came from.
He wrinkles his nose. “No one will take you from me.”
My stomach twists. “Please, Jarron. I want to get out of here. You can keep me, just not here.”
“Can I?” he whispers. “Can I keep you?”
My heart flutters then aches. I don’t answer that because I don’t know how to.
He’s speaking now when that seemed impossible a few minutes ago. Does that mean the spell is fading?
“Will you run from me again?”
“Jarron, please,” I whisper again. “I’m scared.”
He growls, determined. “No one will harm you with me here. I will destroy them all.”
“They took away your mind for a little while. They could do that again. They—they’re powerful. And I want to go home. With you.”
He purrs against my neck again. “Okay, bright one. I will do as you please.”
My heart lifts. “Really?”
“If you stay with me. Yes, I will take you away from the dark place to somewhere you will be comfortable.”
Okay, he’s definitely regaining his mind. Hope blooms in my chest for many reasons at once. Jarron wants me. His demon wants me too. And he’s willing to help us both escape. We’re close, so very close to surviving this.
Suddenly, I’m swept off my feet, and I find myself hanging in the demon’s arms.
“Are you ready?”
I nod, even as anxiety floods me. So does hope.
Jarron crouches, wings splayed, ready to take me up into the air when an eerie tune rings out. Jarron stands straight, wings tucked in. His talons tighten over my waist and legs. I squirm at the sharp bite, but it’s not enough to break the skin.
“There you two are,” Mr. Vandozer croons from the platform above. “Just in time for the crescendo.”
56
One Massive Miscalculation
Several forms appear on that platform above. Mr. Vandozer is unmasked, standing beside the woman covered in glowing white light.
Liz.
The nine forms behind him still wear their black masks. The rest of the Cosmic Council.
Jarron tenses. “These are the ones you fear?”
“Yes.”
“Then, they will die.”
“Wait,” I say quickly. I lean in close and whisper, “The glowing one is my sister. She’s—I don’t know if I can trust her, but I love her.”
That will be a moot point if she is his chosen, but just in case.
He tenses then nods sharply.
