Chapter 132

"Pain..."

A low groan escaped Sebastian Valdemar's throat.

He had always endured suffering silently. Moments ago during the bone-scraping detoxification, he hadn't even flinched. Now he curled into himself, knuckles turning white.

Evelyn Roland stared at the veins bulging along his neck, her heart trembling.

This poison was terrifyingly potent.

To reduce such an iron-willed man to this state—she'd never witnessed such a vicious toxin before.

The blade glinted coldly in the firelight.

Without hesitation, she sliced open her own wrist.

As the first drop of blood fell, Sebastian's eyes flew open. Those crimson orbs locked onto her like a predator sighting prey.

"Drink." She pressed her wrist to his lips.

His fingers clamped around her arm with bruising force. As the warm liquid slid down his throat, the bloodlust gradually faded from his gaze.

This was her deepest secret.

At six years old, she'd discovered her blood could alleviate pain. Charles Lowell had rushed her to a martial arts school that very night, gripping her shoulders fiercely before leaving: "Take this secret to your grave."

Now for him, she'd broken that vow.

Sebastian's breathing steadied. Evelyn quickly bandaged her wound, the fabric darkening with blood.

"I'll get you out."

As she turned, she missed how his pupils contracted violently.

Rainwater had washed away the concealer on her waist.

The crescent birthmark shone clearly.

Sebastian's fingers trembled. That exact mark—he'd seen it on a woman's waist seven years ago during a rainstorm.

She'd been right under his nose all along.

His lips curved soundlessly.

A draft whispered through the mine shaft.

Evelyn counted her steps. At four hundred paces, her fingers brushed against a narrow crevice.

"Anyone there?" She knocked on the rock wall.

Frantic shouts answered from the other side: "Help! We're trapped!"

"Are you rescuers?"

Evelyn pressed against the gap. "Hold on! I'll get you out!"

Cheers erupted beyond the wall. As she prepared to respond, scorching heat suddenly pressed against her back.

Sebastian's breath ghosted over her ear: "Found you, little liar."