Sin in His Shadow” Book One

Chapter 28 – Ashes of Kings

The world narrowed to fire and blood.

Lucien stood frozen—his breath ripped from his lungs, his voice caught in his throat—as Zarek and Ciro stared each other down like gods carved from rage and ruin.

The gun pressed to Ciro’s heart.

The blade pressed to Zarek’s throat.

Neither flinched. Neither blinked.

“Choose, pretty thing,” Ciro hissed, his smile glinting like the edge of his knife. “Tell me who lives.”

Lucien’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

How do you choose between love and death when they both wear the same face?

“Lucien,” Zarek growled, eyes never leaving Ciro. “Don’t.”

But Lucien couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Could only feel the heat of the flames, the weight of the gun in Zarek’s shaking hand, and the blade cutting into his throat like a promise.

“I…” he choke