AARON’S POVThe word “kneel” hung in the damp air between us. Julius smiled, a gash of pure triumph. Behind me, Angela trembled through the bond, a silent scream and panic. My warriors waited for my signal to attack or fight to the dead. That was the choice: our death for her life (a life soaked in guilt, but still a life), or a slaughter that would leave her to Julius for a worse death.It carved me open, but the answer was the same as always. I’d do anything for her, without a second thought.My muscles tensed, not to fight, but to yield, at least to buy us time for her to get to safety. My shoulders lowered , that small, terrible fall of posture.Julius’s eyes lit with savage delight. This was what he wanted. Not just her, but my submission. Then everything broke.Old Kieran, who had been shaking behind us, cried out, “The supports!” He didn’t charge Julius. He threw his whole weight against a rotten beam bracing the tunnel wall.At the same instant, a new sound rose behind Julius.
Last Updated : 2026-01-14 Read more