40

~Vaela

Keo holds his hand out, something appearing in the palm of it.

I'm not bewildered by that kind of magic, considering Hale wields it at will. I just wish I had it right now so I can summon a way to either get out of here, or enact my revenge on the powerful men in front of me.

I quickly realise, as Keo approaches me, that he's holding a needle, attached to a long tube that disappears somewhere I can't see.

Flinching away as much as possible, horror consumes me.

"I apologise about any pain you feel," Relm says, seeing my reaction to the sight of the needle. He's going to dig it into my skin, and he's going to extract my blood for his own use.

I've known many selfish people in my life, but this is just disturbing.

"Don't waste your breath," I tell him. I'll get my revenge, whether it's now or in the future, because I have to survive this. I can't not return to my mate, who will be looking everywhere for me in Death's realm.

Keo grabs my arm. "This may hurt."

Twisting my head, I tr