Chapter 33

"I accept your terms," Arianna said, the words tasting like ash in her mouth.

Around the clearing, she felt more than saw her companions' reactions. Marcus's sharp intake of breath. Elena's soft sound of dismay. Even Garrett, barely conscious, seemed to flinch.

Through the bond, Duncan's presence went absolutely still. Then exploded with denial and rage so intense it nearly drove Arianna to her knees.

*No,* he sent with bruising force. *Don't you dare—*

*I have to,* Arianna cut him off. *I won't watch them die for my pride.*

*This isn't pride, it's your birthright—*

*My birthright isn't worth their lives.*

She felt Duncan's helpless fury, felt him...