My heart lurches, and I want to throw myself in front of her, hide her from the men who threaten to kill us all.
Run,I cry through the bond.
Chapter 42
MELISA
He told me to stay hidden.
When Thea and Wren arrived at the cabin, I was relieved. But something tugs me outward, toward the fighting.
Maria comes to my side, drawing the girls away. Her mouth opens, but press my finger to my mouth.
Some of Ra’Sa’s men are at the back of the cabin, carrying the wounded out. Maria leaves me and watches as the girls huddle in the corner with Coco.
I’m tugged to the outside again.
Ra’Sa?I ask.
No response.
I cross from the door to Thea and Wren. I kiss them both and say, "Don't move from here. You understand? Stay with Maria.”
Maria starts to protest, but I hear another scream.
“I’ll be right back,” I promise and let go.
Please,I pray to any god who will listen.Keep them safe.
I return to the other side of the cabin. From the cracks in the crudely covered windows, I see the men surrounded in thecenter of the field in front of us. The giants hoist spears towards them while others pour vats of what looks like water over them.
The iridescent sheen glints in the light from torches.
Fuck. Not water, I realize.Oil.
My hands go cold. They're going to burn them alive.
"They're going to kill them!" I panic, my voice tinging on hysterical.
Some of the people in the room spare me a look, but most continue to move more bodies out the back door, away from the massacre.
"Do something," I beg, rushing to two men carrying a woman out.
“I am sorry,” one of them says. "We have to escape."
My heart races.
So what? I'm just supposed to be in this room, watching as they burn my mate to death?
It would... Gods, it would destroy me. It would destroy my body and soul.
"Melisa," Maria’s voice sounds behind me. She grabs my hand.
“Come sit.”
Shaking my head, I yank out of her grip, and then push to the door. A new warrior almost cuts my mate in half.
My gaze meets Ra’Sa’s, and he shouts,Get out of sight!