Chapter 458: The Price of Mercy
I stared at the glowing magic circle in horror, barely suppressing a sob as a familiar, blinding pain seared across my chest. I clutched at my breasts, my throat tightening in panic, but relief washed over me as I confirmed the slave crest was still gone. The pain was just a phantom, a memory that even now haunted my nightmares.
But it wasn’t entirely imaginary. An uncomfortable pressure built against my soul as the magic circle continued to grow, each new rune intensifying its power. It would take time for the spell to reach the strength needed to overcome my resistance, but once it did... I shuddered, my tail twisting anxiously. It was too much to contemplate. I couldn’t be enslaved again. I couldn’t!
"Relax and let the Joys claim you, and it’ll all be over. Let me, Lord Coufyx in, and I promise you’ll have peace. Submit to me, Xiviyah. Let your name ring true once more."
Half-blind with panic and too desperate to think clearly, I grasped at my mana, trying again and again to cast a spell. Something, anything!
But it was futile. The fate magic I’d relied on my entire life had been turned against me, and now, alone, encircled by flames, I was going to be enslaved again. There was nothing I could do. Tears blurred my vision, and I slumped, my tail falling limp in defeat.
"Freeze, beast!" Lord Coufyx’s voice boomed through the chamber. "Move again and your master suffers!"
I looked up as he shouted, only to scream as the flames crept closer, searing my skin. It wasn’t severe enough to blister or blacken, but the intense heat was enough to send my thoughts scattering and my body writhing in agony.
After a moment, the man lowered his hand and the flames retreated, leaving me slumped on the ground, my chest heaving with ragged breaths. Half-blinded by tears, I managed to open my eyes a fraction, making out Fable just paces away from the Circle members, his teeth bared and hackles raised. He’d tried to reach me the moment the trap was sprung, but the concentrated Mana Storm had severed his access to my abilities, leaving him powerless to slow time and save me.
"Good dog," Lord Coufyx said with a cruel chuckle. "Now stay there and watch as I become your new master. And as for you," he said, turning back to me, "try anything and these slaves will suffer. If you cooperate, I give you my word they will be free, so if anything happens to them, their blood will be on your hands."