Chapter 266

NATALIE’S POV My hands shook so violently I could barely hold them still. The vial was pressed against my lips. I tried to turn my head, to resist, but Memphis’s dark magic was wrapped tight around my throat. He had summoned shadows who stretched their long arms to my neck. The feeling was like invisible chains choking me. My own body betrayed me. My lips parted without my permission. I tried to resist but Memphis’ dark magic was too strong. There was nothing much I could do, no matter how much I tried to fight it. My mouth was opened against my will and the shadows started to pour the liquid inside my mouth. “No…please. ” My voice cracked, but the liquid was already pouring in. The taste was bitter, metallic, and sour. It burned like acid sliding down my throat. I clawed at my neck in panic, desperate to stop it. Tears blurred my eyes. My body convulsed as I swallowed what I was forced to. Then it hit me. The fire. It tore through me, burning up every vein, every bone. My knees gave o