Page 99 of What Lies Beyond the Realms

He just laughs from behind me. I hear the swish of the whip before I feel it hit my back. It makes contact with my left shoulder, and heat radiates across my body. Nyx is shaking the table, grunting and bucking as much as he can for being strapped down.

“Fuck you, Samael. You might as well kill me, because I’ll never be yours.”

The look Nyx gives me is utter disapproval. I know he doesn’t want to see me hurt, but I can’t bear seeing him hurt either. And I cannot let Samael get the best of me. I can’t let him break me.

“Look around you. You already are mine, Lyra.”

Samael unleashes the whip with a frenzy, each lash sending a searing pain across my back, as if branding me with his fury. The agony becomes unbearable as he continues to strike me relentlessly, each blow stealing a piece of my strength. I struggle to stay upright, my legs trembling, and my grip on consciousness slipping away. Then, as if the torture wasn’t enough, a cold blade slices into my skin, tracing the path of the whip’s marks. My breath hitches, and I choke on a sob. I feel like I'm being consumed by the pain. Finally, Samael stops, and I gasp for air, barely conscious. He steps in front of me, his hand gripping my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“What do you have to say now my sweet?” he says breathlessly.

I just spit blood out across his face. He pulls off his shirt, wiping away my blood, then grabs a rusty bar off the wall and shoves it in the fire. Oh gods, he’s going to burn me. I’m so exhausted I don’t think I even have the strength in me to be terrified, but my heart squeezes. Tiny needles spread across my body as anxiety and fear consume me.

Samael strides over, and I squeeze my eyes shut, holding my breath and waiting for the pain to begin. When it doesn’t, a new fear shoots through my chest, and I open my eyes to find the rusty metal rod pressed against Nyx’s stomach. A wicked grin spread across Samael’s face. Nyx groans through his gag, and the smell of burnt flesh stings my nose, souring my stomach.

“Stop. Please.”

“Does my little bird have something to say now?” Samael says, removing the glowing hot rod from his stomach.

“What do you want to know?”

Nyx grunts and starts trying to shake his head, but his neck is restrained. His eyes are piercing through me, and I have to look away. I don’t want to betray him, but I can’t bare to see him tortured like this.

“Why didn’t the Lamia blood unlock the bridge?” Samael asks.

“Fuck you.”

“You know what, Onyx? I don’t think my sister here cares about you as much as I thought. She may let me go on torturing you forever without ever telling me what I need to know.” Samael runs his fingers through Nyx’s hair, toying with him. Samael looks up, his eyes meeting mine and widening slightly as a cruel smile curves across his face. “Lucky for you, my sweet, I have just the thing to get you talking.” Samael strolls out of the room, and Nyx and I are left alone to stare at each other.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling responsible again for all of this.

Why can’t I get my magic to work? I could save us both right now if I could just get what happened in the Shifting Forest to happen again. I stare up at my bound wrists, willing fire to appear in my hands. I strain my gut, trying to push out any hint of magic. Nothing. I don’t even feel a tingle under my skin. Nyx stares at me, unable to talk. He starts making a noise, but I can’t make out what he’s trying to tell me. I let my head fall forward, feeling defeated. I try to rack my brain for a way out of this. The door slams shut, and I jump at the sound, not having heard anyone come back in.

What I see makes my eyes widen and knees buckle. Samael has Chepi.

“No,” I whisper to myself.

“What’s that, my little bird? I can’t quiet hear you.” Samael moves closer, holding Chepi by his scruff and dangling him next to Nyx.

“Who would you save, Lyra, if you had to choose just one?” I try to blink away my tears and get control of my emotions. Magic. I scream internally. Please, magic, I need you. Suddenly a loud squeal echoes across the room as Samael breaks one of Chepi's wings. I scream and sob as I buck against my restraints.

“Let him go!” I scream.

Samael laughs, releasing Chepi’s scruff. I watch in horror as Chepi falls directly into the tub of water next to Nyx’s table. He quickly swims to the surface, choking and coughing. His tiny paws comes up to the side of the bucket, trying to pull himself out. He needs help. He can’t get out, and he’s going to get tired.

“Please,” I cry out. Chepi pants, trying to stay afloat and pawing at the edge of the bucket. Samael leans down, turning his head sideways and smiling as he watches Chepi struggle.

“Please what, little sister?”

“Please help him. I’ll tell you anything. Just please help him.”

“I’ll think about it after you’ve answered a few questions.” Samael walks around the bucket, coming right up in front of me.

“Why didn’t the Lamia blood unlock the bridge after you drank it?”

“It has to be given to me in the Lamia Realm during a ceremony under the blood moon.” I strain to look over Samael’s shoulder to see Chepi. He’s struggling, getting weaker.

“Now help him please!” I scream, thrashing my body. I can feel blood dripping down my arms as I push and rub against my restraints. I need to get Chepi.