Sky and Storm ( Warriors of Vis #1)(37)
Storm released her, his frown deepening. “There is only one area in the castle where you cannot go.”
“Sky had been summoned to see the queen. When roused and told what had happened, she claimed to have been in her room and never asked for Sky.”
“Who told Sky?”
“A servant girl. Not even sixteen. Eagle found her body discarded in her room. She’d been stabbed.”
“My spies are trying to unveil the traitors within my house.” Storm sighed and rubbed his forehead. He was exhausted, crippled by worry, but he knew he had to push through and follow the kidnappers until he found Sky.
“You go find that boy, Dragon. Leave your spies here, let us continue with our own inquiries. There are others who can track those responsible.”
Storm turned to look at Sera, who was now standing next to Cloud. “Yes, brother, do as she says. I won’t rest until I find out why this has happened.”
With a final nod, Storm left them and made his way back to the higher levels. He should have been surprised by Cloud’s attitude, but he wasn’t. Ever since she was a squirt, she’d followed Storm and Sky around. But Storm knew, it wasn’t because she wanted to play with her brother. She’d never done that before Sky’s arrival at the castle. Like almost everyone who got to know Sky, Cloud worshiped him.
Storm would trust his men, Sera, and Cloud to deliver the guilty to him. He’d take his time devising their punishments. Until then, he’d turn into what Sky needed him to be: a tracking dog.
CHAPTER XVI
The Dragon’s Fury
EVERYTHING HURT. Each muscle in his body felt either strained or asleep, the spots where Sky’d been hit were burning. His wrists and ankles stung from the coarse ropes used to tie him up. Sky was cold. They’d stripped him naked, forced him face down, and spread-eagled on some old but sturdy wooden table. Splinters pierced through his skin when he moved, trying to cause the table to fall over. He hoped this old, ragged thing would break, but failed.
Sky couldn’t tell how long he’d been in the tent. The stench was only getting worse. He’d been alone since he’d been tied here. Despite his attempts at not sleeping, he had passed out. He’d awaken shivering, disoriented, and in pain.
Sky squeezed his eyes shut and thought of Storm. His only doubt was when Storm would arrive. Would his Dragon be too late? Of Storm finding him, he had no doubt. Storm had conquered the world for Sky. He’d turn every stone and question every human being alive until he found Sky.
Hurry up. Hurry up, my love. Sky was terrified of dying. It was more than natural fear of the great end. He knew what his death would do to Storm. How it would break his beautiful husband. Would he destroy the entire world in a pain-induced rage? Would he leave everything behind and go somewhere to wallow in sorrow after bringing about the end of civilization? Or would he be hurt too deeply to do anything? Whatever it was, Sky didn’t want it for Storm. If they died together on a battlefield, or of sickness or old age, that was bearable. But like this? How much guilt would Storm feel? How deeply would he blame himself for not allowing Sky to follow him?
A cold gush of air hit Sky. He shivered, making his wrists hurt even more. His heart was pounding, hitting hard against his ribcage. Someone was inside.
The smell of a man standing around open fires and alcohol hit Sky as the aggressor approached. He dragged his feet, taking his time to walk towards the end of the table where Sky’s head was resting. Sky shut his eyes, trying to control his breathing. Maybe if the stranger thought he was asleep, he’d leave him be.
“Aren’t you all pretty, exposed like that.” The man laughed. It was a cruel rumble that promised nothing good. “I wonder what princely skills you’ll delight me with. I heard you’ve fucked your way through Vis, but that stupid heir to the throne is still enthralled with you.”
“That’s not true,” Sky yelled.
“Awake, then, are we? Right, then, we’ll have time to play.”
The man had whispered those last words close to Sky’s ears, his stench now overpowering the alcohol and making Sky’s stomach turn.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head. When I’m done with you, you’ll beg for my cock every night. You won’t get it, though, I’ll have another of my men fuck you and when we’re all done, we’ll send you to your princeling. I’m sure he’ll wash away the dirt and take you back.”
Panic hit Sky, cutting his air and paralyzing his limbs. He wouldn’t be able to survive that! And he’d never survive Storm’s kindness afterward. He’d take his own life before smearing Storm’s house and name.
The man pressed his palm to the middle of Sky’s back, the difference in temperature burning Sky’s skin.
“Oh, how your heart beats! You really are looking forward to riding so much cock. The men are hungry for you. They’ll make it worth your while.”
Sky growled and pulled on his ties, trying his best to wiggle and gain some purchase. It stung, the rope digging into his skin, but he couldn’t stop. The growl turned into a cry of pain, fear, and something feral. He’d fight them, even if it killed him. He’d fight with everything he had.
“Aww, bad kitty!” The man slapped his buttocks, hard enough to make Sky yelp. “We’ll have to keep you tied up then. Bring my men to you. We can’t have you using those claws to scratch anyone’s eyes out.”