Page 109 of A Dose of Agony
“I didn’t.” Manuela shrugs. “I made a portal to a portal. Even that only gets him within fifty miles of the action. It’s a good thing he can fly.”
Our friend group gathers in the armchairs in the sunroom, chattering casually for the next hour before, finally, I feel something through my link with Jarron.
I’m shocked, though, at how fast the ordeal happens. There’s a rumble of power. Darkness fills up my heart like ice then blasts out. I flinch at the feeling.
But then, there’s nothing.
Cold emptiness filles my mind. I frown.
“Something wrong?” Janet asks, noticing my change.
“I… felt Jarron start to use his magic, but then it all went silent.” My heart picks up speed.
“He probably just blocked you out temporarily,” Manuela explains.
“He can do that? Block me completely?” I knew he could control what thoughts I have access to but it’s like the link never existed. There’s a solid wall between us. I don’t like it.
Her brows lift, then she nods.
“But why? Why would he block me out?”
“Because he’s doing something he doesn’t yet want you to see. Like killing, perhaps? He’s likely still worried he’ll scare you with the reality of his nature. Causing pain in others is not a pleasant sight for anyone at first, a human least of all.”
My brow pinches. I don’t think I would be put off by it, but I imagine a few graphic scenes that maybe I would be better off not experiencing that intimately.
Less than ten minutes later, his emotions flood back into me. I gasp at the rush. Familiar cool darkness caresses my mind.
All is well, bright one. I will be back shortly.
Thompson’s pack?
Safe for now. Their enemies will regroup eventually, but it will take time.
I consider expressing my annoyance that he blocked me from our link, but instead, I just tell him,Thank you.
Because he did this for me.Just for me.
I would do anything for you.
I know.
When he finally returns to me, and we bid our friends goodnight, I do what I can to show him that I too would do anything for him by offering up my right wrist and accepting his second mark.
He is mine. And I am his.
47
The Rejected Princess
“I will make sure you are safe, bright one.” The monstrous figure leans over me. His horns glisten. His talons reach out for me.
Delight is not the feeling this image should evoke, but somewhere along the line I fell in love with the demon as much as the man.
Today, we will use a new portal. The one in the middle of the school.
Crowds follow us through the halls toward the main entrance to the school where my inner circle list is boldly displayed.
Does everyone know what we’re doing today? Because the extra attention is not helping my anxiety. Today, Jarron will fly me over the capital city and into the Orizian palace, presenting me as his chosen for the first time.
