Lumina.
The dungeon reeked of rot and waste, and I had long stopped covering my nose. What was the point? I sat slumped against the cold wall, my wrists clapped in irons. Rats squeaked and nibbled on something in the corner, and I eyed them warily, trying to keep my distance from the rodents. A hollow ache began to take up residence within me.
I had tried creating music note shards, but I could barely manage it. My body was too weak, and my emotions too forlorn to create even the smallest one.
The squeaking of the rats was overshadowed by voices that drifted to me. My head lifted slightly when I heard low murmurs from the guards near the door. They sounded tense and urgent. And beneath them, something else. A third voice, indistinct, slithering through the cracks like smoke.
The voices got closer. “Yes, she’s here,” I heard one guard say. “The alpha ordered her to be killed because she couldn’t save his mate. It’s strange that he changed his mind. That’s not like him.”
My heart faltered.
Who were they talking to?
My question was answered shortly after when the footsteps stopped in front of my cell and the bars were unlocked.
He stepped in.
“Well, what do we have here?” Roman asked, his unnerving eyes taking in my condition. “My, you look ghastly, Lumina. A far cry from what you used to be in Fenris’s care.” A chuckle rose from his throat as he assessed me. “Surely you understand now that you had it good with him, right? He was very patient with you. Honestly, at first, I couldn’t understand why until I realized the truth.”
I hadn’t eaten much since I got here, but the little that was given to me rose in my throat, creating a strong urge to expel what little contents I had in my stomach. But I fought the feeling and swallowed.
I frowned at him. “What do you want, Roman? Haven’t you done enough?”
A contemptuous laugh echoed through the cell. “Enough?” He shook his head. “Don't be silly. Whatever I’ve done isn’t nearly enough.”
He clasped his hands behind his back and wandered a few steps. “I want Fenris to suffer. I want him to beg and plead. I want him to feel pain.” His head cocked to the side, his ominous stare resting on me. “And the only way for me to achieve that is through you. It’s nothing personal, and I have no grievance with you directly, but you are his only weakness. And nought else will break him except you.”
My frown deepened. “How could you do this to him? He trusted you.”
He stared at me for a long time. Long enough that it felt as though he was turning his actions over in his mind. I thought he was going to be reasonable, seeing that he couldn't win.
“It’s the same way my father trusted his father, and he killed him.” His tone was calm, almost indifferent. “Let me tell you a short story, Lumina. You see, at the time, Fenris and I were young lads. He was still learning what it meant to be an alpha. Always wanted his father’s approval and was constantly eager to please.”
His brows creased. “One dawn, the treasury brought to his notice some inconsistencies in their ledger.” He looked out the small dungeon window and clenched his fists. “Fenris didn’t come to me. Rather, he went straight to his father and presented what he found.”
He paused. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he struggled with narrating the memory.
Then he continued. “The Alpha claimed my father stole from him, and that he was giving aid to his enemies. I never believed that.” His voice turned icy. “And even if he did those things, so what? My father didn’t deserve to die that way.” His hands balled even tighter. “I would have dealt with the bastard myself, but he died before I could, so my trajectory changed. I was furious with Fenris, but didn't show it. I swallowed my anger and planned instead.”
He turned back to me and gave a humorless smile. “His empty coffers? That was me.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I had to be very careful because I couldn’t afford to leave a trail that would lead back to me. What I never anticipated was Fenris trying to purchase a Velari. Your people had vanished into hiding, and I thought that was the end of it.”
In a swift movement, Roman stomped on one of the rats, sending the others scurrying off in fright. He crushed the head of the rodent under his boot, moving it from side to side until the squeaking died.
He added. “Honestly, I didn’t think he would find one, which was why I went along with it. My initial plan was for him to be humiliated first, before I gave the killing blow.” He raised his boot off the dead creature, his face twisted in disgust. “Imagine my surprise when your friend, Calder, found me. His desperation to clear his debts delivered you into my hands. My plans were derailed, but no matter, because as long as I have you…” His unsettling gaze remained fixed on me for a long, terrible moment. Then a slow, creepy smile spread across his lips. “I have Fenris’s heart.”
“You will not succeed, Roman,” I said, tugging at the chains. “Fenris will come for me. He’ll find me.”
“Oh, I’m counting on it, beautiful Lumina. You see, I already have some contingencies in place for that when it happens, and only one of us will survive when that time comes.” He squatted close to me, his voice low and spiteful. “Here’s a hint… It’s not going to be your mate.”
Then he stood and motioned to one of the guards standing outside the cell. “Unshackle her,” he said, his menacing eyes devouring me.
I yanked at my chains again even though I knew it was pointless. “Where are you taking me?” Despite my heart thudding loudly, I forced my voice to be steady. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
A dry look crossed his face. He looked almost amused but not quite. “You don't have a choice, Lumina. And considering your current state, you don't look like you'd be able to put up much of a fight.”
The guard’s gaze shifted from me and back to Roman. “Apologies, but we are under strict orders to keep her here until her execution. I would need to confirm—”
Roman’s lips curved into a sneer. “You have nothing to confirm,” he interrupted impatiently. “That’s Aegor’s new order. She's coming with me.”