Mastering Their Maiden by Lane Demi

Author:Lane, Demi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stormy Night Publications
Published: 2023-06-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Aria

The gray stone walls had a smell. I could pick each one out since my face was practically pressed to it. Mildew and rock. Steel chains and sweat. Musky earth and salty tears. The floor was probably coated with them after years of punishments happening in this room.

But none belonged to me.

No, I wasn’t crying. The terror and despair in my chest had faded some, and I was left with a far more comforting feeling.

Rage.

It suited me. It fueled my thoughts of revenge and power. Of bravery and fearlessness that would get me out of this situation.

The other girl, Medora, was chained to the wall behind me, huddled in the corner, black hair hiding her tear-soaked face. Rober made her watch as he disciplined me, and I’d almost wanted to laugh and tell her not to worry. His strikes stung, but they were weak. He was using all his might, swinging a leather strap with ferocious intent. My ass was sore, but it was nothing. This punishment was a performance. There was no point behind it other than to cause fear. Not at all like when—

No.

I wasn’t going to say any of their names. I wasn’t going to think their names.

“Captain.”

The soldier’s voice was timid as he stood in the doorway, and I knew already what he was going to say. They’d been searching for hours for two people. A Kavari soldier named Makan, and Summer’s little boy.

So far, there was no sign of them in the forest or on the road toward the Kavari city. Summer was distraught. Crying and screaming in her cage outside the sept. Her fear tore at my heart and gnawed at my stomach, but all I could think was maybe that Kavari bastard had the good sense to get the boy out of here. Maybe he’d taken him somewhere safe until he could stage a rescue.

I didn’t know if there were any gods listening, but I prayed that if they were, that was the case.

“Don’t say it, Teraad.” Rober slapped the belt against my skin, painting my ass, thighs, and lower back with swipes so intense that I had to grit my teeth. But I made no noise. No cry of despair, no shriek of agony. The pain from this wouldn’t cow me; it would only fuel my revenge.

“There’s still no sign of—”

Rober’s roar of anger made Medora whimper, and I heard the belt clatter on the stone floor by my legs. “Send the riders out again! Don’t allow them back in the village until that conniving bastard and that boy are found.”

“He could have ridden to warn Kaiden and—”

I turned my head just enough to see Teraad clamp his jaw shut before Rober swung and backhanded him across the face. “He wouldn’t be that stupid to throw himself in with those traitors. The king is going to have them all hanged when he finds out what his son has been planning.”

Rober left with the soldier, vowing to return with a whip. A whip the masters in charge here had.

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