CHAPTER ELEVEN
542 Words
CHAPTER 11: A DEBT IN BLOOD
(Damian’s POV)
We rode back toward Ravenshade in silence, the weight of what we’d done settling between us.
The Moonstone of Elaris sat in Selene’s palm, pulsing with a soft, silvery light. It should have felt like a victory. It didn’t.
I watched her from the corner of my eye as she guided her horse through the mist-laden trees. Her jaw was tight, shoulders tense. Thinking. Calculating.
I already knew what was on her mind.
The Hollow Queen.
"You don’t have to do this," I said finally.
Selene didn’t look at me. "Yes, I do."
A muscle ticked in my jaw. "We can find another way."
She huffed a quiet laugh. "Funny. I seem to remember you saying the same thing back at the Hollow."
"And I meant it."
Now she did look at me, eyes flashing. "We need the Moonstone to break your curse, Damian. That’s all that matters."
She said it like it was simple. Like she hadn’t just sealed her fate with a deal that would end in blood.
But I knew better.
The Hollow Queen didn’t make fair trades. She didn’t offer mercy.
Selene had promised her Devereaux’s heart.
And now, she had to deliver.
I clenched my fists around the reins. "And if she asks for more?"
Selene didn’t answer.
That was what scared me the most.
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Ravenshade loomed ahead, its towering spires piercing the storm-heavy sky. The streets were quieter than usual, shadows creeping along the edges like something was waiting.
Selene led us through the undercity, past guarded passageways and hidden tunnels, until we stood once more before the Gilded Hollow.
The guards let us in without a word. They’d been expecting us.
Inside, the Queen sat upon her throne, golden tattoos gleaming in the dim candlelight. Her dark lips curled into a smile as she saw us.
"Well, well," she purred. "You made it back in one piece. I’m almost disappointed."
Selene stepped forward, lifting the Moonstone. "It’s done. We have it."
The Queen’s gaze flickered to the artifact, something dangerous sparking in her eyes. "Beautiful."
She gestured to a servant, who stepped forward with an ornate box lined with dark velvet. Selene placed the stone inside, and the moment she withdrew her hand, the deal was complete.
Power thrummed in the air, sealing the bargain.
Selene exhaled, her body relaxing just slightly.
Then the Queen’s smile widened.
"Now," she mused, resting her chin on her fingers. "About the other half of our deal."
Dammit.
Selene straightened. "Devereaux will die. But we do it on my terms."
The Queen’s brows lifted. "Bold of you to think you’re still in control."
"I always am."
A quiet laugh. "Oh, I do love your confidence, Huntress. Very well. But I expect results… soon."
Selene inclined her head. "You’ll have them."
She turned, already striding toward the exit.
I moved to follow, but the Queen’s voice stopped me.
"And you, Damian Blackwood," she murmured, amusement dripping from every word. "Tell me, how does it feel to have someone willing to bleed for you?"
I didn’t answer.
Because I didn’t know.
I just followed Selene into the night, knowing that whatever came next…
We were already too far in to turn back.
- Writer
