Just as they were about to reach Alina, Severine's foot hit a loose rock.
Her body tilted forward. With the force Damien was using to drag her, she couldn't stop the fall.
Thud!
Her chin collided heavily with a sharp, protruding stone. The jagged edge sliced deep, instantly tearing open the skin across her cheek and jawline.
When she opened her mouth to tell him to stop, blood dripped down her scraped chin.
Damien's grip didn't loosen for a fraction of a second; instead, his hand snaked further around her wrist with brutal force.
His eyes flashed a dark, tempestuous blue as he stared down at the blooming crimson.
Behind them, Emily felt a sudden pang of anxiety, worried that the sight of Severine bleeding might cause Damien's strange obsession to soften and halt the performance.
But her fears were entirely misplaced.
Damien didn't soften. If anything, the manic, dangerous light dancing in his eyes only intensified.
