CHAPTER 16: The Blood Ritual
Seraphina's POV
"You seriously don't have to be afraid, because this place won't hurt you." Darius said quietly.
I looked up at the covered doorway that was cut into the side of the dune, almost covered by time. The wind blows very low, carrying voices I couldn't even name.
Something about this temple felt… very wrong. Like the stone was still bleeding from whatever had happened here.
"Then why is my heart beating so fast?" I whispered.
Darius didn't answer right away. Instead, he moved closer and reached for my hand, his hands were very warm. His eyes were so soft. But underneath, I could feel it again… the pull.
And the quiet ache tune that started every time we touched ourselves.
"You said you trusted me," he murmured.
"I said I was trying to."
"Then let me protect you." He gave me the smallest nod.
"Protect me from what?" I looked away.
He didn't lie, not even this time.
"From him." My breath caught.