Page 58 of Gilded Curses

He could try stealing one of the animals, but then they’d see him go and follow him back. That would severely cut down the time he had to find the others, and if they caught him first, it would only be worse for the women.

This “caring about others” thing was starting to irritate him. He could easily vanish into the woods and avoid these things.

He couldn’t escape Epoch, but he’d survive. And eventually, he would get back into the castle, find those stones, and put an end to all of this. If he did such a thing now, the guards would tear Sahira apart.

Shit!

He couldn’t even curse himself for allowing this to happen when he only wanted to get back to her and ensure she was safe. He cared far more for her than he ever believed possible and wouldn’t lose her.

His gaze settled on the two prisoners who had most likely sneezed the wrong way and were chained for it. Over the years, many had died at his hands, but these would be the ones he regretted most.

All’s fair in love and war.

And the dagadon had declared war on them. He had no idea how, but he would be the one to win. Until then, they had to play by the dagadons’ rules, but they had forgotten one thing… a pawn could take a king.

Sheree squeezed the guard’s arm before releasing it. “So, what shall it be? Will you hunt, or will the guards all take a turn at your women? Of course, I’ll be sure you’re there to enjoy the show, and we’ll have to take bets on who will live the longest, though I’m not sure the brownie will count. I don’t think she’d survive one cock inside her.”

A low murmur of agreement went through the crowd as Loth released a growl that might have made the dogs piss themselves.

“I’m sure someone would be willing to take that bet,” Desmond said.

The crowd snickered, and someone called. “Mitchel would!”

“Of course!” Another man called back. “I always love a good long shot.”

“I thought we were your guests,” Zeth sneered.

“Of course you are! And highly esteemed ones at that!” Desmond went to slap Zeth on the shoulder, but the demon’s look caused him to think twice, and his hand fell back to his side. “But guests must earn their keep.”

“And we’ve fed and clothed you some of the best our realm offers. Nothing is free in life,” Sheree said.

Unable to stand the sound of their voices anymore, Orin spoke. “I’ll hunt them both.”

Zeth looked toward him, and Orin saw the understanding and sadness in the demon’s eyes. These immortal prisoners didn’t deserve this, but neither did any of them. If it were Zeth’s wife in the castle, he’d destroy them both too.

“There’s no need,” Zeth said. “I’ll hunt.”

Apparently, the demon was also willing to ensure his friends didn’t suffer too.

“Wonderful!” Sheree cried. “But then, you didn’t have a choice. Desmond has already told you this is a competition between you, but the winner gets a prize, and the loser will suffer the consequences.”

He was certain he didn’t want to know, but Orin had to ask. “And what are those?”

Desmond turned and held out a hand. One of the guards produced a hatchet; its sharpened edge gleamed in the sun as he handed it over. “If you are to lose, then you must also lose something. I mean, one must suffer the consequences of being a failure.”

“The loser’s hand will suffice,” Sheree said. “The hunt doesn’t end until both prisoners are dead.”

“Fuck,” Loth hissed.

That about summed it up. When Orin looked at Zeth again, he was sure the same rage in the demon’s eyes also shone from his.

By the end of this day, they’d both commit murder, one of them would lose a hand, and neither had a choice.

CHAPTER FIFTY

Orin had spent the past two hours hunting the brunet man through the woods. It was taking far more time than he’d anticipated, but the fact he had dozens of guards tromping through the woods behind him didn’t help.

The brunet and blond were set free in separate areas of the woods. The contingent had been divided, so half went with Orin and the other half with Zeth.