Page 181 of Eternal Surrender

When I came round, I couldn’t move.

The clang of chains wrapped around my body told me why. I’d been secured to a table. There was a strange tangy scent in the air that I couldn’t isolate and despite the age of the castle, this room had been modernized with stark walls and low hung cabinets.

Aiden’s face came into focus. “Incredible how they survive that.”

“You have to tell your dad it woke up,” the youthful voice came from behind me.

Aiden glanced up. “Not yet.”

“Don’t engage it,” the voice came again. “Remember?”

“Bring me that knife.” Aiden unbuttoned my shirt, though boredom soon struck and he ripped it open, popping off the buttons.

“Aiden?” I said.

“It read my mind,” Aiden said. “He’s not meant to be able to do that.”

“Maybe you need to take more. . . you know,” his friend vaguely suggested.

Aiden was now holding a knife. “Even if I cut out its heart it can survive, want to see?”

“I’m not an it.” My terror turned in on itself as my thoughts turned to Lucas.

“Screaming’s permitted, talking isn’t.” He sliced into my chest and lifted the blade. Blood oozed from the cut.

With my jaw tightly clenched, I barely held back.

“Heals instantly.” Aiden snapped his head up again. “Come closer. You can’t see from there.”

Whoever was behind me stayed put.

I caught a glimpse of the signet ring on Aiden’s small finger. The crest was an engraved snake wrapped around a skeleton key.

I tried to breathe through my panic. “Who’s in charge? I need to speak with them.”

Aiden’s tongue licked the tip of the knife, and he rolled back his eyes, spacing out.

“Let’s go now,” came the voice.

“My dad doesn’t need to know.” Aiden offered the knife back to his friend, and a hand came out of nowhere and took it.

The room started spinning.

If Raven truly had Ingrid, I was terrified what they might do to her. Hate simmered for these spoiled boys.

“Not sure if anyone’s ever told you this before, but you’re a perfect specimen.” Aiden peered over at his friend. “And like all specimens, he must be cut up.”

“Lucas?” his name slipped out, but all I could think of was him.

“That’s the other one he came with,” said the discarnate voice.

“Why did you come here?” Aiden asked.

Nausea welled and I lifted my head an inch and glanced over toward the door.

Aiden bit his lip in feigned concern. “You’re friend’s probably dead.”

“Then so are you,” I muttered.