Chapter 3

Thalyn's POV

The executioners forced me to my knees in the frozen punishment square.

The first strike of the wolfsbane-laced whip landed across my back. Pain shot through me, and the crowd began counting.

"One. Two. Three..."

I clenched my teeth and refused to scream. Each lash weakened me further, but I kept my eyes on the elevated platform where Kairo and Querida stood watching.

The crowd muttered that I deserved it. Querida touched the necklace at her throat and gave me a small, triumphant smile.

By the time the thirtieth strike landed, I could barely stay conscious. My clothes clung painfully to my back, and the snow beneath me was marked with red.

Kairo stopped in front of me.

"Get up. Querida's condition worsened after the incident. We can't wait another day. The surgery is happening now."

I struggled to lift my head. "Now? I just took thirty lashes. I've lost too much blood. I might not survive another procedure."

"The healer says you're fit for surgery," Kairo cut in. "Stop looking for excuses."

I forced myself to meet his eyes. "You promised to return my mother's land when I confessed. I want to know when the transfer will happen."

His expression tightened. "Favian will prepare the deed. I'll sign it tonight, after the surgery. Now get to the medical room. Querida can't wait."

"I want it transferred into my name," I said. "Not another promise."

Kairo's patience snapped. "I said I'll sign it tonight. Now stop wasting time."

I searched his face for any sign that he understood what I was asking. He had already turned away.

Two guards lifted me and carried me straight to the medical room. The feast continued behind us, the music and laughter carrying through the corridors as if nothing had happened.

They laid me on the operating table. There would be no anesthesia; Kairo had insisted that it might compromise the purity of my blood.

The healer prepared the extraction equipment without meeting my eyes.

"Stay still," he said. "Any movement could cause serious damage."

I wanted to ask him how he could call this treatment. Instead, I gripped the edge of the table as the needle entered my spine.

The extraction began. With every passing moment, I felt weaker, as though the last of my strength were being drawn out of me.

Outside the door, I heard Querida's voice.

"Is she ready?"

"Almost," Kairo replied. His tone softened. "Don't be afraid, baby. You're already my Luna. Once this is over, nothing will stand between us."

Querida gave a pleased little laugh. "I knew you'd never let me down."

I closed my eyes and held on to one thought: my mother's land would be mine again. It was the last thing I'd asked Kairo for, and the last promise I could still hope he'd keep.