The air in Seraphine’s stronghold was thick with tension as Misery stepped through the heavy iron doors. Shadows danced along the stone walls, and the faint hum of dark magic vibrated beneath her feet. Eryon stood at the center of the hall, his figure imposing, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he turned to face her.
His expression darkened the moment he saw her. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, his voice low and edged with menace.
Misery didn’t flinch. She met his gaze, her chin held high. “I came to fight by your side.”
Eryon’s growl echoed through the hall, resonating with a primal intensity. “I don’t need you. And I don’t trust you.”
Misery stepped closer, her movements deliberate, though her heart raced in her chest. “Then don’t trust me,” she replied evenly. “But you’ll need me. You know you will.”
Eryon’s lips curled into a snarl, his claws twitching at his sides. “What makes you think I need anyone?”
“Because I know you,” Misery shot back, her voice rising. “I know what you’ve lost, what you’re fighting for. And I know you can’t do it alone, no matter how strong you’ve become.”
Eryon took a step forward, his towering frame casting a long shadow over her. For a moment, it seemed as if he might strike, but then he froze. The fire in his eyes flickered, and a faint shadow of doubt crossed his face.
Seraphine’s voice cut through the tense silence. “She’s right, you know.” She descended the staircase with a predatory grace, her silver eyes gleaming. “Misery may be reckless, but even you can’t deny her value.”
Eryon turned his gaze to Seraphine, his frustration barely contained. “Why are you letting her stay?”
“Because,” Seraphine said smoothly, her voice like silk, “she has a knack for survival. And you’ll need every advantage if you hope to defeat the King.”
Misery clenched her fists, unwilling to let Seraphine’s words diminish her resolve. She stepped past Eryon, her voice firm. “I’m not here to beg for a place, Eryon. I’m here because I care about you. Whether you like it or not.”
Eryon’s gaze lingered on her, his emotions warring beneath the surface. Finally, he let out a low growl and turned away. “Fine. But don’t get in my way.”
Misery watched him disappear down the dimly lit corridor, her determination unwavering. “I won’t,” she muttered. “But I’ll be damned if I let you destroy yourself.”