AUTHOR'S P.O.V. "Swords out!" Karim roared. The air filled with the sounds of sharp blades leaving their sheaths. His men stood in three rows in the sparring area outside the palace, awaiting his instruction. He watched them intently, aware of the importance of combat training before any ad
MILDRED I watched Morpheus sharpen his knife. He had been silent since he sent Marcus away. I had so many questions on the tip of my tongue, but I could not bring myself to ask. I was angry at him and knew he was seething with fury at me as well. He still had me tied up, not allowing me to mo
This is nice, I thought inwardly, allowing the world to melt away with every gentle rock of Morpheus's body. I could hear the soft thump of his heart as my head was placed against his chest. "Alright," he said as if he had heard my thoughts, but his voice no longer held the anger he had again
MORPHEUS I was cornered, and it was all because I lost focus. For the past five years, I have been living my life always looking behind me, not letting anything distract me. But for the first time since then, I was surrounded because I was distracted. These men were warriors. I did not know w
AUTHOR'S P.O.V. Mildred was growing worried as time passed. She wanted to obey Morpheus one last time, but it was becoming more difficult. She heard slashes of knives and screams of men and wondered if Morpheus was alright. He had made her promise never to leave her hiding place. "I will just ta
Karim quickly entered his carriage and shut the door, leaving Gregor outside. Mildred was still fuming with rage when Karim got in, but once he entered, she fell calm, only glaring at him. Karim did not say a word to her as the carriage started to move. "I know who you are," Mildred said, tears st
MORPHEUS I grunted and turned to lie on the other side. Blood had congealed in my arm, and it stung like thorns. I was used to lying on cold floors, but this one reeked of death. I opened my eyes, my head reeled, and everything was blurred. Pain shot up my spine, and I blinked twice to make out th
MILDRED Crazy things are happening. I do not even know who to trust anymore. A man said my mother wanted to kill me, and Morpheus said the man was not lying, but the same Morpheus has been lying to me and even let my brother die. He deceived me into trusting and loving him. I know my mother and I,