A Crown Of Shadows And Secrets - Sloane Murphy Page 0,84

I didn't let him win. Not yet. Not ever if I had my way.

“I will never be yours. You're going to regret ever making a deal with Archer Dotoro,” I hiss and he smirks at me.

“Oh little Witch, are you hoping your little Shadow Walker is going to save you?” He whispers, crouch down in front of me. “I have a little secret for you. Even if she doesn't help Dotoro, if she tries to reach you here, I'll tear her apart, just as I'll tear you apart. I'll make you both mine. There are more nightmares on this level of the Shadow Realm than you could ever dream up.”

“Which level are we even on?” I ask, not expecting him to answer.

“Level six. Greed.” His eyes light up. “This is my level, and I do love to collect people.”

I try not to react to his words, much as I'm surprised he answered me, it’s not like I can get word to Remy. The light inside me flickers, but I bite down on my resolve. No, he will not break me.

“What do you even want with me?”

“Oh little Witch, you were just a nice little topper on the deal. I never expected to get a Laveau Witch out of my bargain with the Hunter, he’s not even who I answer to, just a good little side deal, but it is a very welcome little surprise. He doesn't know I have no intention of giving you back, but then, he didn't mention that when he handed you over. He just asked me to keep you hidden. Foolish Hunter, not watching his words. Tip of the day, mind your words when dealing with Demons.”

“I'll keep it in mind.” I roll my eyes, and he sighs.

“Well, it’s no fun breaking you in this state is it?” He says with a frown. He flicks his hand, and all of the aches and pains in my body recede. I feel the swelling in my eye go down, and then I can see properly again. Once I feel back to myself he grins at me. “Much better.”

He moves towards me again, and it takes every ounce of strength I have not to flinch and plead with him not to hurt me again.

“We're going to have so much fun down here, until the Hunter finds a way to open his portal. And then, then I'll keep you when we head to Earth too. You can be my personal little plaything,” he says, running a finger down my cheek. I try to pull away from him, but the restraints hold me in place.

I let out a growl of frustration and he laughs at me again.

“Oh little Witch, I'll keep breaking you and this pretty little face and putting you back together until you see things my way. You should just give in. Things are so much better once you're with me. You'll see.”

“Where is your Shadow Walker friend, little Witch?” Azriel asks me again, and I shake my head, my face already stained with my tears again. I didn't want to cry, but I couldn't stop them.

“I don't know,” I sigh, my voice hoarse from the screams he's already pulled from me. I'm not even lying, but after Archer appeared again a few hours ago, screaming and shouting about Remy betraying him, betraying me, the question has been almost on repeat, and the pain has increased with each time I tell him I don't know.

I want the pain to stop almost more than anything, but I can't tell him what I don't know.

But he doesn't believe me.

“Maybe our friend Deacon can help?” Azriel smirks and steps back from me. I let out a sob, but catch myself before I start fully crying again, the sheer relief of him stepping back is enough to make me cry until I pass out.

Not that he's let me pass out. Each time the pain got too much, he'd bring me back to consciousness, so I had to live each and every second of his joy at my pain.

The door opens behind him, and I see Deacon, his face taut as he takes me in, but he doesn't show even a hint of concern for me.

“You called for me, Az?” Deacon says, looking away from me.

“I want you to get her to tell me where her Shadow Walker friend is. I know you know how.” Azriel winks at him, before kissing my cheek, and my stomach churns. It takes everything in me not to