Tasting Darkness

Chapter 54 

The next day was no better. Only now I knew it was approaching, I had to think of away to sneak into the forest. Darius seemed hellbent on torturing me, which wasn’t helping. Once again, I woke to them fucking. I had grabbed a sandwich for lunch today and walked outside needing some air. Lycus threat seemed to be working as long as I had food in my hand, no one came near me, and I was free to roam.

Sitting on the bench outside in the warm sun, I stared at the forest before peeking around. Everyone was distracted eating lunch, and no doubt my mates would all be eating together. They always did in the room while I was stuck in the mess hall. Getting up, I was about to head inside when I realized this was my chance. I had an hour before lunch finished, and I could be i n and back before they noticed, glancing at the roof I wished I could get Ryze to get it for me but it was also poisonous to him. Poisonous to everyone more so, Demons it was lethal. The root is what I needed and I hoped I had time to dry it out.

I beeline for the forest by giving a quick glance at the castle doors and seeing no one. Continuing on until the trees covered me. Catching my breath, I hunted for this damn plant. Searching beneath all the trees and brushing back ferns. Scouring the ground for any sign of this purple and pink budded plant. Climbing the small hill I moved further through the forest. I had no idea how long I had been out here scouring, becoming obsessed with the damn task. Just on the crest of a slight incline among the trees, I saw it.

Excitement bubbled up in me, and I clambered, slipping as I climbed the steep incline. I went t o wrap my hands around the stalk when someone grabbed the back of my shirt, sending me flying

My back arched as I smashed into the dirt next to the tree I was just tossed against. I groaned, back arched as I rubbed the spot. The air knocked from my lungs when I heard a thunderous growl, and my eyes opened. In a daze, I saw Darius reaching for me, and I lurched to my feet out of pure adrenaline.

“I fucking warned you about trying to escape,” he bellowed as I clambered up the incline, trying to get to the plant. Fuck it, he looked livid; I would have to show him. His wrath couldn’t be worse than it is now, I thought trying to grab the damn plant.

ripping me back down, my head bounced off the ground and the rock I smashed it on making me see black for a few seconds. I clawed at the earth, screaming as I tried

as he dragged me back toward him. Only realizing

hand whipped out and slapped him hard across the face.

I felt his hand in my hair only seconds

hair. I clutched his hands and tried to explain, but my lips wouldn’t open. Spelled shut the moment h e told me to shut up. Tears trekked

of the suction before I found myself in my old room. Darius tossed me on the bed by my hair, and I felt the strands rip free painfully from my scalp. My scream was mute, I felt i t vibrate out of me, but no sound left my lips. I nearly

roared as he turned, glaring at Kalen, who stared in horror at what he was witnessing. Blood trickled down the side of my head, and I touched my fingers to it, wondering what I had hit

1. n.

What did she do?” Tobias asked while Kalen

head and tried to explain; the words never left me.

wouldn’t,” Tobias defended