Page 75 of A Bond So Deadly

“String her up for them to find!” another yells.

I shudder, my shadows curling around me.

King Malgur lifts his hands and the crowd quietens. “She’s also the one prophesied to break them. She will be the one to help us win this war.”

Their anger doesn’t change, but the Xalgrith warriors aren’t calling for my execution anymore, so I suppose that’s a good thing.

“According to Commander Yevar, she must be able to wield incredible power if she’s fated to those four.” The king looks at Professor Yevar who nods his head.

“Incredible power? What is he talking about?” I say to the shadows. I have some power, sure, but it feels like the king is setting up the warriors for disappointment.

Elgen cackles.

“With the Destroyer on our side, nothing will stop us from taking the shadow realm!” King Malgur goes on.

This time the warriors actually cheer, and I shift uncomfortably.

“Now…” the king says as he stares at me, “it’s time for a demonstration.”

I cough. “I’m sorry, a what now?”

“A demonstration!” King Malgur snarls at me. “Show my warriors your power.”

I clear my throat, all too aware of the number of eyes on me. “Crap. This isn’t exactly the kind of torture I was expecting.”

“Would you have rathered he strung you up like the others suggested?” Elgen asks.

“Of course, not. It’s just… I don’t know what to show them.”

“Why do you even want the shadow realm?” I blurt nervously to the king. “Your land is…uh…lovely. Aren’t you happy here?”

King Malgur stares at me like he thinks I’m the crazy one. “Show us!” he growls, not even answering me. When I don’t move, he draws his sword and brings it down. I jump back, and the blade carves through the air in front of me, but he follows up with a fist to my chest that knocks the air from my lungs and sends me flying.

I roll in a heap, the ground warm beneath me, and dust clouding the air.

“Well that hurt.” I cough.

“On your feet, girl,” Elgen snaps.

I don’t want to move. I’ve only had two hits from the king, and yet, I feel like I’ve been hit by a car. “Can’t I just stay here until my mates find me?” I moan.

“We don’t know how far they are,” Elgen replies. “So I suggest you get to your feet if you still want to be breathing when they get here.”

A growl has me looking up, and I roll to the side just in time to avoid King Malgur’s sword that was aimed at my stomach.

Quickly, I lift to my feet placing a little distance between myself and the king.

When he attacks again, I dart out of the way, ducking under one of his arms.

“I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that I have your creature’s egg,” Professor Yevar whispers in my ear. “You’re making this more difficult than it has to be. Show King Malgur you’re the destroyer he seeks.”

My gaze travels over the students who are still watching me passively. “And what? Become like them?” I whisper back. “You know my mates will do anything to save me. You’re making a mistake.”

Professor Yevar’s eyes darken from where he watches at the edge of the circle. “Oh, they will try, but their obsession with you is their weakness. As we speak, they are busy searching for you rather than helping to prepare their own warriors.”

“Watch out!” Elgen warns, but I’m distracted, and I’m not fast enough to avoid King Malgur’s next strike. His boot slams into my stomach, and I cry out as I’m thrown backward. I land hard near the edge of the circle.

“I told you to watch out, girl,” Elgen comments.