Chapter 25: The King of CindersThe scent of ozone and blood was thick in the air, mixing with the damp earth of the embankment. Julian—no, the Duke—didn't let me go. His grip on my waist was bruising, a silent declaration that the "Doctor’s" boundaries had been burned to ash."Julian, you're hurting me," I whispered, my voice trembling.He looked down at me, his silver eyes swirling like a storm trapped in glass. For a second, his grip loosened, but the warmth didn't return. "Pain is a reminder that you are alive, Elowen. In the Ninth Life, you felt nothing at the end. I prefer you screaming to you silent."He turned his head toward the dark woods, his nostrils flaring. "They are sending more. Silas is persistent, I’ll give him that. He thinks numbers can overwhelm a god.""We have to go," I said, glancing at the shattered remains of the car. "If they have more teams, we're sitting ducks out here.""Ducks?" The Duke let out a short, dry laugh that sent shivers down my spine. "I
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