Elysia's breath came out in sharp gasps as she tried to break free, but Malvoria was too strong, her grip like iron around Elysia's wrists.
The princess thrashed her head back and forth, trying desperately to think of another plan, something else that could get her out of this situation alive.
Was I going to die now? Elysia thought, her mind racing. Was this the end? After everything I've tried, is this where I failed?
And if it was... she wished she could have just had a few moments more with her father and Zera. She wished she could have seen what it would have been like if she hadn't peeked the demon queen curiosity.
But it seemed that fate had other plans.
With a sudden sense of resignation, Elysia closed her eyes, bracing herself for the blow to come. She felt her tears slip free, sliding down her cheeks to wet the pillow beneath her head.
She couldn't move, couldn't escape, couldn't fight. All she could do was wait.
