Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
“I said that is enough. Grab her.” Araiya watched as an arm wrapped around Korine’s waist and pulled her from her feet. She was still screaming. “Check her. He said we could take her to the arch as long as she was fully healed.”
The healer from the day before came over and kneeled next to her. He requested permission to touch her and once she nodded, he flooded her body with his power. After a few minutes, the healer stepped back.
“So…”
“She was almost healed, but your wife’s kick cracked her rib again. She will need another day or two.”
“You are a stupid, insolent little girl.” Donal turned on Korine. “Was it worth it?”
“Was what worth it?” Korine backed away but her eyes kept flicking down to Araiya.
“If she was healed, then she would be ready for tonight’s demonstration. The men have become restless without his Darkness with us. And we have to show the men that there is a reason to fall in line when there is nothing but sand in this Goddess forsaken desert. But now, now we need a replacement, and that role falls to you, wife. Too bad. Araiya here has held together past normal expectations. You won’t do quite as well.” Donal turned his back and gestured toward Korine.
Korine flicked her eyes down to Araiya once more before she stopped backing up. “Yes.”
“What?” Donal wheeled.
“You asked if it was worth it? I gave you my answer. Yes. Kicking her when she was down was worth dying for.” Korine smirked. Donal and the soldiers all chuckled. Donal again gestured to the guards and started out of the tent. Korine took a step towards the guard, confidently, with the smirk still on her face, but Araiya caught the panic there. She caught the slight tremble in Korine’s hands as she stood there defiantly. Araiya watched as Korine took her next step closer to the guard waiting and then looked down at her again.
She saw the fear and acceptance there. She saw Korine’s death reflected back at her. And Araiya stood. “Wait.”
“What now.” Donal came back in. “Let’s go.” He walked over and grabbed Korine.
“Take me instead.”
“You are not healed, and I will not go against his wishes again.”
“He said if your healer could heal me enough between, then you could do as you wish. I am healed enough to survive your demonstration. But Korine is not. While she may not care for my welfare, I will not have her death on my hands. If she dies, you lose your bargaining chip.”
“Are you threatening me?” Donal pushed Korine to the ground and stalked over to where Araiya stood. “You think you can threaten me?”
“I don’t think, Donal. Korine is the only reason that I am playing along. We both know it. You take her out of the equation here, and you have nothing to hold over me. You can pretend that I am afraid of you, of your men, of even the darkness, but we both know the truth here, Donal. You do know how easily this all comes to an end here. You speak of power, but you understand nothing.”
“I know no such thing!” Donal screamed into Araiya’s face.
“The only reason I am still holding on, is so that Korine is safe. Kill her, and I will let go.”
Donal laughed. “You think you dying is a threat to me?”
Araiya smirked; she was holding the fear in as much as she could. She was playing chicken with Donal and prayed to the Goddess that he was going to blink first. “I think me dying in your care is a giant threat to your welfare. Not from me. I’ll be dead. But I doubt his Darkness would love that his mate died in your care, right? Your greatest task right this second is keeping me alive until he comes back, right? So, you kill her, I will kill myself. Easy as that. Then everyone here will face his wrath. I wonder how that will pan out.”
Araiya turned away as the room grew quiet and colder. “You are playing with fire.” His voice raised goosebumps over her entire body.
“No, I am gambling with life and death, but what I speak is the truth. If your minion is stupid enough to kill the only reason I am still here, it is his own stupidity.”
“You wouldn’t.”
Araiya slowly stood up and walked back toward the darkness riding Donal. “You really want to bet all of your plans on whether or not I would kill myself if Korine were to die? I need you to look into my eyes and see if I am bluffing.”
“You hate each other.” His disbelief was palpable.
“I may hate Korine, but she is my family. The only reason I am still here was because she was here. I fought to hold on to the thread so that she wouldn’t be alone at his mercy. It is my fault she is here.” Araiya looked over at Korine, and then turned back to the evil riding Donal. “If you allow him to harm her, or put her in harm’s way, I will go back to the in-between.”
“You…”
“I will. I will walk down to the misted forest, and your plan will fall apart quicker than you can fly here. Do I make myself clear?”
“Oh, pet. You think you have the power, but you don’t.”
“Try me.”
“I hope you will learn something from this demonstration, pet. And remember. You did this.” His presence faded and Donal chuckled. “Grab them both.” The guards grabbed both women while Donal whispered to the healer.
“Are you sure? It will scar. Of course, I will send him after you.” The healer left, and the girls were dragged from the tent.
Araiya shook the chains again, trying to find the most comfortable way to hang there. A drip of sweat fell from her nose as she shifted.