Page 113 of Not Today, Satan
It’s getting there that’s the problem.
While Ferus is distracted by his own reflection, I drag my body forward with my good arm, crawling like the muddy shadelings from Lot Eight. I whimper as the bones of my broken foot grind behind me. My dress is soaked with sweat and spotted with my blood. Every movement feels like shards of glass are ripping me open from the inside, but I don’t stop.
Ferus chortles behind me. “Princess, if you want to die that badly, I’ll grant your wish. But first, I’d like to claim my throne.”
I’ve reached the second step when he grabs my broken arm.
I scream as agony slams through me and white lights flash before my eyes. Fighting dizziness, I try to pull out of his grip, but he’s too strong. He straightens my ring finger and flattens it against the step before bringing down my mom’s sword.
I close my eyes and brace for the pain, but the sword bounces off my flesh as though my skin was made of steel. My eyes burst open, and he’s staring at me with eyes just as wide. A laugh bubbles from my throat. My ribs shriek with the movement, but the horror on his face is worth it.
“Oh, right.” I cough blue blood onto the floor beside me and wipe my mouth on my bicep. “Didn’t I mention? That sword can’t hurt someone who’s part angel.”
Ferus heaves my blade across the room. “Useless piece of angel crap. Guess we do this the less fun way.” He rips the ring off my finger and drops my arm. Pain shoots up to my shoulder and I bite back a whimper. “Stay here, Princess. I’ll take care of you once I secure my place on the throne.”
I watch helplessly as he saunters up the stairs. My head lowers to the floor, and I exhale a long breath. I’ve used every ounce of energy to beat him, and it hasn’t been enough. Maybe my father was right all along and I’m nothing but a disappointment. If Ferus lets me live, I’ll go back to my mom and Nate and hope they forgive me for not being everything they believed me to be.
Ferus plants the ring into the empty space in the armrest. Nothing happens. He lets out a grunt and presses harder. Still nothing.
I raise my head and grin. Father left out one vital thing.
Ferus glares at me. “What did you do? Why isn’t it working?”
“I’m as surprised as you,” I murmur.
Except I’m not.
Father told me when he gave me the ring that I would need to coat it in my blood before placing it into the throne. It was his way of being sure his bloodline took over. I suppose he left out that key piece of information when he spoke to Ferus. That must’ve been what he meant by me giving it with free will.
My father, the Prince of Deception, everyone.
I bite my tongue to suppress a laugh as Ferus grunts again and tries jamming the ring in various spots on the throne.
He’s got his back to me and is so intent on getting the ring to work that he doesn’t notice as I drag myself up the stairs. I’m covered in sweat, my dress sticking to my body as I slither like a velvet-clad serpent.
Every move is agony, but I clench my teeth against the pain until I’m beside Diripo’s body. Blinking away tears, I feel around his waist again, and a grin curves my lips. Ferus forgot to remove Diripo’s belt when he stole the cuffs. Big mistake on his part.
Ferus swears and kicks the throne as I press the green button to release the cuffs. The metal falls off my wrist with a satisfyingping, and I swallow deep breaths as the pain in my body eases. My muscles tingle as strength flows through my arms to my fingers.
“I’m impressed, Princess.”
I jump as Ferus strides toward me. I hadn’t seen him turn. “You may have freed yourself, but you don’t stand a chance without your sword.”
I stand on my good foot, swaying as warm blood drips from my mouth and pools at my neck. I wipe my lips with the back of my right hand. “That’s what you think.”
I reach into my ponytail and clasp the dagger I’d planted there. He tilts his head in amusement as I bring the blade down.
I miss his heart.
I’m not aiming for it.
I’m not even sure he has one.
He screams and staggers backward, clutching at his chest. His eyes widen as blood pools down his bare chest. “You bitch.”
“Queen Bitch. Now give me my ring.” I hold out my palm. “You lost, Ferus. This throne doesn’t want you, and neither do I.”
His eyes darken, voids of hatred and anger. He backs away, one foot slowly pressed behind the other. “That’s where you are wrong. If I can’t take your father’s place, then neither can you.”
