Nina I crouched low in the underbrush, my heart pounding against my ribcage. Peering through the fronds, I could just make out the cave entrance that would lead us to Mila’s palace, and hopefully, to my husband. But it wouldn’t be so simple to get in. This time, there were guards stationed at th
… The narrow path sloped downward at a steep incline, the rocky walls slowly closing in around us. I maneuvered carefully, trying to keep my breathing steady and calm as the hot, oppressive air grew thicker and harder to draw into my lungs. We continued on like this for what felt like an eternit
Nina When Enzo and I finally pulled our lips apart with a wet smack, both of us just stared at each other, too dumbfounded to speak. Then, much to my surprise, Enzo… chuckled. “This uniform is huge on you,” he teased, tugging at the loose black armor and cloth. I blushed. “When in Rome,” I mut
When he was finished, my heart was in my throat. “So you’re going into the arena anyway,” I breathed. Enzo nodded. “While the panther and I create a distraction, you, Luke, and Tyler can join the crowd. Start spreading the word: that Mila is planning to kill everyone after the ceremony. Those wh
Nina As soon as Enzo was led away by the guard, I felt a surge of urgency ripple through me. Quickly, I motioned for Luke and Tyler to follow me around a corner and out of sight. “That was too close,” I muttered, ripping off the stifling guard helmet with shaking hands. “We need to regroup and f
Enzo The groan of the iron gates sent a shudder through my body as they ground open, revealing the vast expanse of the arena. The deafening roar of the crowd washed over me in waves, their excitement palpable in the air. Here I was again. In the arena. I had hoped that I would never have to co
Exchanging a quick glance, the panther and I weaved through the mayhem, our eyes locked on our ultimate target—Mila. She rose from her throne, her expression twisted into a mask of fury as she witnessed her carefully constructed facade crumbling around her. “Fools!” she screeched, her shrill voi
Nina The deafening roar of the crowd was replaced by agonized screams as chaos erupted around us. Bodies surged forward in a frenzied stampede, trampling over one another as they fled the arena in terror. Overhead, the sound of a flurry of beating wings filled my ears. Mila had shifted into her