Misery’s Choice
The portal’s swirling energy faded, leaving the King and his forces in a chamber filled with echoes of battle and the blood moon’s dying light. Misery remained at the King’s side, her blade still glinting faintly in the crimson glow. Her expression, usually so confident, was unreadable.
The King’s gaze swept the room, his crimson eyes narrowing. “They think they’ve escaped,” he said, his tone dark and calculated. “But they’ve only delayed the inevitable.”
Misery’s smirk returned, faint but sharp. “They’re clever,” she admitted, crossing her arms. “But clever doesn’t mean invincible.”
Adrian stood apart from the group, his breathing heavy and his body tense. Blood streaked his face, and his eyes burned with a mix of frustration and guilt. His thoughts were consumed by Lyra—her silver eyes, her trembling voice, her desperate escape through the portal.
“Misery,” Adrian said suddenly, his voice low but forceful. “What were you thinking?”
Misery arched a brow, her crimson eyes flicking to him. “Excuse me?”
“You let them go!” Adrian snapped, stepping toward her. “You could have stopped them, but you didn’t. Why?”
Misery tilted her head, her smirk fading. “Because it wasn’t the right time,” she said simply, her tone maddeningly calm.
Adrian’s fists clenched at his sides. “You think this is a game? Those werewolves—”
“Are a threat,” the King interrupted, his gaze sharp. “And one we will eliminate. Misery made the right choice.”
Adrian turned to the King, his voice trembling with frustration. “You don’t know them like I do. They’re not just threats—they’re…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening as he struggled to find the words.
“They’re liabilities,” Misery finished for him, her tone turning cold. “And liabilities have a way of destroying themselves. We’ll catch up to them soon enough.”
The King nodded approvingly, his crimson eyes gleaming. “Prepare the forces. Wherever Seraphine leads them, we will follow.”
Adrian’s heart twisted as the King’s words settled over the room. He cast a glance at Misery, her gaze unreadable, and then back to the empty space where the portal had been.
“I’ll find them,” he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. “Before you do.”
