My eyes widen as my tongue rolls around my mouth, searching for the small ball of gods-know-what. It’s gone. Shock courses through my veins, only to be replaced a moment later with a molten fury, one that coats my hazy vision with silver, further obscuring it. But it doesn’t matter. I don’t need my sight for the pain I’m going to inflict on Malice.

Before my power has a chance to explode, Malice releases my mouth and nose, stepping back as oxygen rushes into my lungs. The relief is so great that I forget about my anger for a moment, but as soon as I lay eyes on that glowing red eye, it all comes back to me.

“What the fuck was that for if it was going to dissolve?” I ask, my voice shaking with pure rage. “What the fuck was the point?”

Malice’s smirk widens to a full-blown grin as his shoulders rise. “What can I say? I’m a bit of a sadist.”

“You’re a psycho is what you are.”

“Such sweet words,” he murmurs, rising to stand as his voice enters my mind once more. Slaine will be here soon. It would be wise not to mention what transpired here. I would recommend staying quiet entirely, but I doubt you possess the ability.

I bristle at the insinuation. And why the fuck should I do anything you recommend?

Malice blinks, that eerie smile still in place as he says, Because it is the only thing that will keep you alive.

I’m about to remind him the only reason my life is in danger is because of him, but before I get the chance, the door to my cell is thrown open, revealing the outline of Slaine. Without a word, he stalks into the room, hateful clouded eyes pinned on me and brimming with repulsion.

“Step out of the way, Malice. It’s time.”

“Time for what?” he asks, though he never turns to address Slaine. His fist clenches at his side—the only display of anger he allows to peek through his carefully constructed mask. “I surely hope you don’t intend to harm my mate. Not when I’ve already had such an… unpleasant day.” At this, he turns his head slightly, his good eye glowing molten as he glares at the demon lord. “Is that what you’re doing, Slaine?”

Slaine takes a threatening step forward, but I don’t miss the flash of fear that enters his gaze. “I need to test her, Malice. If she’s not a halfling, you have nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?” Malice’s voice lowers to a deadly pitch as he turns fully to face Slaine, dark shadows swirling over his shoulder, showcasing the power brimming beneath his skin. “I know what your tests are. They’re not exactly painless.”