CONTENT ADVISORY / TRIGGER WARNING
THIS NOVEL CONTAINS DEPICTIONS/STRONG IMPLICATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING THAT SOME READERS MAY FIND OFFENSIVE OR DISTURBING:
~ BLOOD AND VIOLENCE
~ TORTURE AND/OR ABUSE
His arms were tied behind his back around a thick wooden pillar that supported the weight of the floors above, the tightness of the course rope threatening to cut off the blood flow to his hands. His legs straightened out in front of him, and his chin rested against his chest while his head spun. His mind was weary, and it took all of his focus to keep his thoughts where they belonged; within himself.
He didn't dare extend his thoughts to Libelle, his precious lifemate would undoubtedly rush to his side and put herself in danger to protect him. She couldn't do that, he wouldn't let her. It was his job to protect his lifemate, and if keeping his pain silent from her protected her, he'd gladly do it.
Eskil bit his tongue, focusing on the sharp, piercing pain of his fangs while the drow kicked him in the ribs and laughed hysterically.
"Come now, prince. We're not done playing yet, you can't pass out on me."
Gaalin's fingers twisted into Eskil's hair and yanked his head back, exposing his bloody and bruised face.
"I have a lot planned for you, you monster," Gaalin chuckled. "I can't wait to break you. I'll relish your screams."
The madman thrust a long blade into Eskil's side, twisting its jagged edges around. Eskil flinched but fought the pain and the urge to roar out. He would not give grey skin the pleasure of hearing him wail.
The blade withdrew and he exhaled, glaring up at the dark elf. "You're the reason that girl is dead, aren't you?"
Gaalin was surprised. "That girl? To me it looked like some beast got a hold of her," he chuckled. "A beast like you perhaps?"
Eskil bared his teeth. "I know damn well it was you, grey skin, so there's no sense in denying it. Your scent was all over her corpse."
Gaalin stood up and shrugged, his wrist limply waving the dagger at his side. "Who's going to believe that?"
He walked around the room scattered with boxes, lazily kicking his feet out in front of him as he stepped. "Want to know how this all looks?" he asked. "A strange man shows up in the middle of the city. The man looks and acts like a beast, intimidates all those around him and even threatens a model citizen in front of a guard. A guard who remembers seeing the horned man in the dark...alone...with a blonde-haired lass."
Eskil snarled and kicked his heel into Gaalin's shin, causing the man to trip and almost fall. Gaalin cursed at him, taking his own foot and striking Eskil's sternum, the audible crack from the impact stinging Eskil's ears.
"That horned man must have taken that poor girl and raped her," Gaalin continued as he kicked Eskil's ribs, fracturing the ones he collided with. "Then, when she tried to run away, he attacked her further and sliced her up like some rabid wolf!"
This time, Gaalin crouched down over Eskil and punched his cheek. "That horned man killed her and dumped her corpse for the buzzards to feast on." Another series of hits struck Eskil's body. "Then, when a loyal, valiant and glorious servant of the dragon slayer returned home, he found that horned man FUCKING HER! IN THE DIRT! LIKE A BEAST!"
Gaalin's sense of reason was lost as he continued, "What did you do to her? What spell do you have her under that you could have done that to her? Libelle is mine! She is magnificent, beautiful, strong and wise! There's no way a demon like you could have done that to her!" He slumped down onto his knees. "What did you do to her?"
Eskil chuckled, rolling his tongue over his teeth before spitting out blood. "I didn't force her, if that's what you're implying." Gaalin growled. "I thought I saw someone in the dark last night, did you enjoy the show?"
Eskil grunted when the man's hands slammed around his throat. "Bastard!" Gaalin screamed.
"Heh, heh, she enjoyed everything I did to her last night, and I enjoyed everything she did to me. Willingly and lovingly." He groaned when the hands around his throat tightened, but continued to speak with a forced voice. "I should kill you just for knowing that you heard her sweet voice. Libelle is mine, my woman, and my mate. There is nothing you're going to do to change that."
Gaalin shouted and screamed at the top of his lungs as he wildly threw himself at Eskil, striking him with his fists. His sanity was breaking, and Eskil was at his mercy.
Several of Eskil's bones were already broken, his belly was sliced open, and his organs had more than likely suffered severe damage. He was bruised all over, deep stab wounds and long slashes covering his body, each bleeding slowly and draining his life essence.
"Libelle will never be yours," Eskil coughed out when Gaalin's attacks paused.
The retainer stood, grabbed the burning iron rod from the cellar's fireplace and slowly turned around, the light from the fire casting his shadow over Eskil.
"She." He raised the iron rod. "Will never." His eyes widened as the rest of his mind shattered. "Be yours!"