Page 83 of Caressed By Sin

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She didn't turn her gaze up to me. In fact, she didn’t blink.

“Fatou, are you okay?” I touched her arm.

To my horror, Fatou’s body slowly evaporated into smoke. She faded, growing less real and distinct, as if she had always been made of fog.

No! This is an illusion.

My heart pounded in my ears.

Ferkos! When did he take her?

Chapter 13

The Boto Brothers

Azar

It took me several minutes to get out of Ferkos's illusion of a ragged ship.

I should have known you would begin your revenge today. How could I have been so stupid?

Once I realized Ferkos was involved, I found his signature scent through the illusionary magic, cloaked myself in sky blue, and jumped into the air.

There, I hovered over the harbor, searching for more of Ferkos's stench.

When had he taken Fatou?

It could have been the moment I climbed the ladder to the boat. I couldn't have imagined it being much after. Once Fatou and I had gotten on the vessel, she'd gone silent.

I should have known from how quiet she was.

Fear lurked within me. Like jealousy, it was a feeling that I hadn’t experienced in decades and I absolutely didn’t like. I flew through the air, analyzing every fragrance.

So much time had passed.

Please, don't hurt her, Ferkos. Please.

And then his scent hit me along with the muddy river odor of the Boto Brothers.

I frantically rushed toward the massive yacht at the far end of the Harbor.

The yacht was a floating palace of white and gold. It was the largest ship in the harbor and probably the most expensive. The shining white deck reflected the sun and its flags matched the deep blue of the waves.

This looks more like their style.

I lowered myself, landing on the yacht’s roof.

Where are you, Fatou?

I quietly jumped down onto the deck and heard Fatou moan.

No. No.

“More!” she cried. “Give me more!”

Rage filled me until it was spurting out of every pore.

Ferkos must have given her to the Boto Brothers and probably decided to taste her too.

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