Page 256 of A Warrior's Fate

Wickedness glinted in the witch’s eyes as if she fed off Isla’s pain, the terror she couldn’t mask. “And it was the only way to get through to her, to help her…understand. You wolves can be quite hard to get to sometimes.”

Their immunity to magic. She’d needed to break down her mother’s defenses. That’s how the control could work on her.

But she’d broken her parents’ bond. That shouldn’t have been possible.

“We thought she was dead,” Isla said, praying the rogue didn’t take the flexing of her fingers as a reason to stab her again, though she was testing for her claws. Nothing.

“The blood of those beasts makes for a powerful elixir,” the witch said. “Enough to kill that mongrel under your skin while leaving you whole, just enough that you’re still useful.”

Isla blinked sluggishly, eyes casting to the side in search of the dark liquid. “It’s bak blood.”

“In part.” Pride shone in the witch’s voice. “My own personal concoction. Stronger than any bane I’ve come across.” Her gaze flickered to the rogue, and Isla felt that sharpness at her side again. A demonstration.

The man’s hand over her mouth muted her scream. Every part of her was on fire, inside and out, her skin only cooled by tears and sweat. If this was what Kyran and Jaden had been given to kill them, then that one dose must’ve taken them instantly. There was no way to weather this quietly.

Isla felt the bond pulling. Taut, straining like it could…like it could snap. Her wolf pulled farther away. Panic rose in her chest.

She needed to get away. The witch was going to kill her.

Think, damnit.

“You all locked them away like some feral abominations, slaughter them like they’re nothing. For sport, for glory. Your own brethren. While you preach family and loyalty.” She put a hand on her chest, stating with a hint of sorrow. “It wouldn’t be the first time a wolf was bastardized by magic.”

Isla had tuned out her ramblings, focusing instead on the fight, the crowd. It was still happening. Why was it taking so long?

“At least that alpha believed the same as me—that the beasts should be embraced, utilized—for a little while, at least.” The witch’s words regained Isla’s attention, and the spellcaster knew it. “We worked well together. He was kind—as he could be, the bastard—gave me somewhere to hide, sent food, supplies. For years we made our plan, and then when it was finally time to move, he had second thoughts. I don’t appreciate being lied to. Unfortunate for his son, but his beta seems to be coming around.” Isla flinched as the witch touched her head and brushed hair from her face. “We could all work together, you know. We have similar interests.”

Isla wished she had enough energy to spit at her. It was building back slowly, her wolf whimpering but returning to focus. If she waited for the poison to wear a bit more, maybe she’d have a chance. One clean shot at the witch’s throat.

“No,” Isla choked out.

“No? Don’t we all want the King dead?”

Cassius.

“I—I don’t want him—”

The witch stepped away, and Isla didn’t waste energy on more words.

“More,” she said, and Isla braced herself as the rogue administered another fraction of poison, right on cue, with no hesitation like a dutiful servant. His hand went over her mouth for the screaming, and he moved her around like a ragdoll. His hold tightened, and Isla realized everything about him was rigid. He obeyed the witch’s every command with the least bit of reaction.

As the witch looked through the spaces, down into the arena, Isla’s vision became spotty, her heartbeat so loud in her ears, a sluggish drum.

She was dying.

“Such a shame. So pointless.” The witch hissed as if she’d witnessed a bad blow, and Isla felt the pulling get worse, more desperate. Seeking.

Kai wasn’t only getting tired but distracted. By her. He could feel her fading away, could tell something was wrong. He couldn’t find her, but he fought. Held onto the tether and wouldn’t let it, let her drift into nothing.

If he didn’t stop, he was going to die.

Isla could sense the rise of dread within the crowd. She didn’t want to look; she didn’t want to know why. Her bottom lip quivered.

The witch turned, her lips pursing. “Oh, you don’t look so well.” She folded her arms. “I don’t want you dead, by the way. Same as him; it would be wasted potential. I just want to see what he’s capable of; if it’s really true. Brax’s enchantment should wear down soon if the alpha doesn’t become sick of holding himself back before then.” She took slow steps back towards Isla, and her hand went to her face, cupping her chin, pinching her cheeks between sharp nails. “If you’re anything like your mother, you’ll serve me well. Hard to break but worth it.” She inspected her, eyes drifting up to the crown of Isla’s head, glimmering with greed. “And if the stars are to be trusted, I’ll need you for something else.”

Rage powered Isla through her words. “I’m…going…to kill you.”

The witch grinned, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I’m going to have fun with you.”

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