la'

cious, and you do not accept garbage from anyone. That is the person you are. And none of the mark, curse, nor

was blown chilly, and Selene entered with her red hair shining like fire in the low light. "Well,

answered, pretending innocence: "Have I?" "I believe the line was crossed the minute you chose

all my work for me." Her comments made me shiver down my back. "What are you deba

have not. The mark is not only a lighthouse, but a little girl. It is a tie. It also ties you t

k links body and soul to Lucian. You die too, should he pass away. Should you die, he dies as well.

ugh. "Oh my God," I muttered, edging away from him. "You knew. You knew this whole tim

ou've tethered me to a life I didn't pick, to a fate I don't w

o talk." A flip of her wrist sent a flood of vitality straight toward us. Lucian shoved m

nd nasty. "Little girl, you have options to decide upon. Watch him die, or surrend

had ever done. Save either him or yourself. I tightened my hands, my will sharpen

ble than ever as she lifted her hand for another attack. "Do you ever tell me the truth

at the guy who had thrown my life into disarray. Lucian rested against the far wall, h

. My chest heaved, the anger bubbling to the surface. "First, you tell me the mark is a gift. Then,

ward." "NO!" I froze, backing off. "Don't offer that justification once more.You say you want to guard me, but all you have done is put me in danger!

"Because right now it seems like I'm only a tool for you to use!" S

rds stopped me in my tracks; they felt to me like a physical force weig

e. But something else gets thrown in our path every time I believe I'm moving

g down at the floor. "Darius was my brother." The words hit me like a punch to

ken about you. You're stronger than he realizes." I laughed bitterly, shaki

you different." He reached out, his hand brushing across mine. The warmth of his touch se

"I am right here with you. Always." His words set up a f

ed hair and eyes as sharp as knives stepped inside as the wind howled through

ff, came in front of me right away. "Selene." Selene grinned, then turned to look at me. "Th

she replied, tilting her head. "You know I'm not able to do that." The secret to eve

in her palm. "Run, Calla!", Shoving me toward the rear door, Lucian yelled. But Se

onant with force. "The mark won't let you flee your fate." I

The cabin shook from the weight of their fight as they collided i

e, dragging me toward something I couldn't see. And a voice murmured in my