Never Before: A Shifter Vengeance Prequel by Reames Silas

Author:Reames, Silas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Loch Publishers LLC
Published: 2024-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

17

TOFFEE & TORMENT

Mizor’s suite is richly appointed, with plush navy carpets. There’s a canopy bed; a dark-stained wood framing a mattress with feather bedding. I greedily soak in the few rays of sunlight that dance through the curtains and all the way across the floor. He has a fire blazing in a grate near the bed, and a second one, unlit, by a set of tables and chairs across the room. One table holds two cups with tea, steam wafting. I also spy a plate with biscuits and toffee candies, their scent cloyingly sweet and a stark contrast to the smoky ash in the grate.

I’m not looking directly at the elf, but I keep him in my line of sight. He’s someone I’m not comfortable showing my full back to. The door shuts, and I hear a lock click into place. As it does, my gold cuffs flicker, and their dampening effect snuffs out. Magic rushes through my veins, the onslaught so overwhelming it makes me lightheaded.

I don’t waste any time. I throw my fur on as fast as I’m able, ignoring the crunching and realigning bones. I glance at the door, but Mizor’s already moved away. He’s over by a wall of shelves I haven’t yet taken stock of, pulling something loose.

I spend half a second debating whether to rush the door or the elf. I go for the door. My furred and clawed hand is extended and reaching when pain shoots up my leg. Something wraps its way up my calf, slicing through my fur and skin. My muzzle slams into the floor as I get tripped up and fall.

Idiot.

I knew better than to turn my back. I flip over, wrenching my leg loose at the cost of more cuts. I follow the coiled bit of cord as it slides off my leg. Mizor is standing across the room holding the handle of a whip. It’s long and has several tails, each embedded with bits of sharp metal. No wonder my leg is screaming at me.

Doesn’t matter. It’ll heal up soon enough, and I’m leaving, one way or another.

I change my plan and charge the elf. If he wants to tempt me into murder before I make my exit, I’m happy to oblige. I’m within leaping range when he flicks the hand not holding the whip. He’s wearing a glowing glove, and my cuffs shudder and shine. My fur evaporates, and the shift is so fast it takes my breath away.

I fall to the floor, weakened and gasping in my skin.

Mizor snaps the whip again, the edges hitting the tips of my fingers. I clench them, creating fists.

The elf walks until he’s standing just above me.

He shakes his head while wagging one finger back and forth, as though chastising an unruly child.

“Typical. Running around like a filthy animal the first chance you get. Such beastly behavior. No matter, no matter. I’ve dealt with worse. We’ll have you straightened out soon enough, Pet.”

I glare up at him, snarling before I remember I don’t have a muzzle.

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