196

MAXINE

I saw red. I slammed against the bars and bared my teeth at him. "I swear to the goddess, if you touch her, I will kill you. Even if I have to sacrifice my life." I was livid.

Ronan took a step back, not out of fear, just amusement. "Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots." But then, his expression switched so quickly that the temperature in the room dropped even further. "I'd love to see you try."

I felt fear. Deep-rooted fear. Ronan was a monster.

When he saw the fear in my eyes, he straightened and smiled. "It's always a joy to talk to you. I'll see you ladies another time." He turned and left.

Even as Zel gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, I realized that I'd never been scared into silence like that in my entire life.

***

I lost track of time in that cage.

The days seemed to blend. They brought us food in what I assumed was once a day. The hours were far too long. I slept and stayed awake until I lost track of night or day. The fear ate up at me.

Zel and I clung to each other, our bo