Page 55 of Draven

My chest tightened with a mixture of fear and anger, but I forced myself to remain composed, to keep her from seeing how unsettled I really was.

Taking a step forward, I met her gaze steadily.

"You may have marked me, Belladonna," I growled, my voice low and dangerous, "but I will never be your pawn again."

"I'm taking Doyle back with me," I declared, lifting Doyle's weight onto my shoulders.

Belladonna responded with a mocking raise of her eyebrow.

"And you think I'd let you? Poor delusional Draven. All I have to do is reactivate my binding curse, and you're my puppet again,” she said.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DRAVEN/ TOBIAS

DRAVEN

Belladonna’s words sent shivers down my spine. I watched as she began to chant.

The mark on my chest glowed in response, and I gasped in agony as the pain surged through me.

But then, as quickly as it had come, the pain subsided, replaced by the reassuring touch of the protective necklace against my skin.

Though it still hurt, I could think clearly, and I knew I was still myself.

Darcy’s trinket was working. Balancing Doyle's weight, I made my way toward the door.

Behind me, Belladonna screamed in frustration. “Why isn't my binding curse working?"

Ignoring her, I focused on getting Doyle to safety. But suddenly, I felt a searing pain across my back, as though invisible blades were slicing through my flesh.

Another of her spells. Gritting my teeth against the agony, I pressed on.

Belladonna continued her relentless assault, chanting another spell as I reached the threshold of the mausoleum.

With a quick turn, I unleashed a jet of fire in her direction, forcing her to dart away to avoid being engulfed.

"Stay back, Belladonna," I warned. "I won't hesitate to defend myself and Doyle."

She was staring not at the mark on my chest but the protective necklace that was peeking out of my shirt. She sneered.

“So you went to a white witch for protection,” she said.

"This won't end like last time," I said.

My mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Doyle needed my help, and that was my priority.

Yet, the temptation to confront Belladonna, to end this once and for all, lingered in the back of my mind like a persistent shadow.

However, I wouldn’t be able to face Zane if Doyle bled out.

I couldn't risk losing another member of my pack, especially not when I had the chance to save him.

Besides, Belladonna was cunning and resourceful. She probably had more tricks up her sleeve. There was no guarantee I would win this fight.

"Coward," my inner beast whispered, its presence stirring beneath my skin.

The dragon surged against my flesh, eager for a confrontation with Belladonna.