Chapter 47: Deadly Hunt (2)

Again?

My back locks, and I raise my chin, feeling defensive on my brother's behalf. "Alaric doesn't want another war. You will have his word-"

"His word means nothing to me," Eryx interrupts, taking one final step. It's not until my back is against the tree I realise I'd been stepping back, away from the beast whose eyes I couldn't look away from.

"Trust me, he-"

"And why would I trust you?" He asks, hand leaning high above me on the tree as he looks down at me. "You have given me nothing."

I gave you my virginity. I wanted to say.

"Not by choice," he replies, and I curse under my breath speaking my thoughts aloud. "If you don't tell me something that will help our kingdoms, then I might as well either discard you or spread your secret that you so dearly wish to keep."