Page 110 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

Amelia forced herself to stay with the crowd a few minutes longer, allowing Mikhail time to lead the witch further into the forest.

“That’s right! They say we’re greedy, but we’re simply clever.” Balian’s laugh was charming, his boyish features disarmingly handsome. Amelia recalled the pleasure-filled cries he’d elicited from that woman in the cave… and Mikhail’s reaction to them.

Her body shuddered involuntarily. It was natural for a man to react to such a scene, but it didn’t make it hurt any less that another woman had aroused him – in Amelia’s presence. And that woman had him all to herself now.

Enough!Amelia forced her way through the crowd, moving away from the lake’s luminous lights and trusting the moon to lead her into the woods. She strained her ears, her heart pounding, as she scanned the shadows for Mikhail. The image of him pinning the witch against a tree, fingers tangled in her hair,lips locked in a passionate kiss, haunted her.

The deeper she ventured, the more despair seeped in. They were nowhere to be found. She and Mikhail had planned that he would pick a secluded spot – but not the cave, since it could leave them trapped if things went awry.

Then she heard it: Zara’s laughter, soft and seductive, just like in the cave with Balian. Blood roared in Amelia’s ears. She would be guilt-free after she snatched the necklace off the woman.

She caught sight of them in the distance. Mikhail stood between two trees, with the witch kneeling at his feet.

It’s all part of the plan. He’s only playing a role…

Amelia crept closer, her fingers itching to seize the witch by the throat. She needed to get close enough to strike with the element of surprise. Mikhail would hold the witch steady while she ripped the necklace away.

Her foot snapped a twig, and Zara’s head whipped around. She took in Amelia’s face, a smug smile spreading across her lips.

“Didn’t you say your girl would watch the quiz till the end?” she drawled.

Amelia noted two things: first, the witch’s hands rested on the front of Mikhail’s trousers, yet he remained fully dressed. Second, the necklace hanging from her throat caught the moonlight, gleaming like molten gold.

Anger surged through Amelia. She marched towards them.

“Hey, what—”

Amelia grabbed a fistful of Zara’s curly hair and yanked her head back. With her free hand, she reached for the necklace. Her fingers closed around the two snake heads, pulling hard.

“Let me go!” the witch screeched.

The chain snapped, and the necklace was left dangling from Amelia’s fingers.

Finally!She stared down at the beautiful piece in disbelief.

“Amelia!” Mikhail shouted.

She looked up just in time, meeting Zara’s enraged expression as she swung her hand towards her face. Amelia braced herself for the sharp sting of the slap.

However, she wasn’t prepared for the witch’s blow to send her flying three metres through the air. Amelia crashed into the trunk of a tree. When she hit the ground, her head pounded like a hammer had struck her. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

But she still gripped the necklace in her hand.

Zara brushed leaves off her crimson gown and moved towards Amelia.

Amelia clutched the artefact with desperation. As the witch closed in, a powerful surge of energy raced through her – hot and electric, like liquid fire flowing in her veins. It wasn’t painful; it was invigorating.

The witch’s red lips curled into a sneer. “Why do you want the necklace?”

Amelia didn’t respond. Her fingers burned where they touched the metal.

Zara knelt before her, grabbing Amelia’s chin with an iron grip. “I asked you a question, you thieving little creature.” Her sharp nails dug into Amelia’s skin. “This necklace was a gift, and until now, its secret power was well protected.”

She reached for the necklace, but Amelia yanked her hand back.

“Oh, darling. I don’t have time for games.” The witch tore the necklace from Amelia’s grasp.

Summoning every ounce of strength she had, Amelia grabbed the witch by the shoulders. She wasn’t sure what she intended to achieve, but she couldn’t let the necklace go.