A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 1000

He didn’t fight back—just smiled, cold and amused. “Really? Is this your idea of fun? You think some childish trick like this is going to put me under, like it did with those fools before me? And then, what, you get to summon someone else?”

He scoffed. “Dream on. That won’t work on me.”

Simon lounged back, letting her do as she pleased, not the slightest bit concerned. He actually seemed entertained, as if he were just waiting to see how things would play out. Calliope applied pressure to the nerve clusters with deliberate force; by all accounts, the vasovagal response should have dropped him instantly. But—just as he said—nothing. No change at all.

She stared at him in disbelief. How could this be happening?

Calliope’s brow furrowed; she pushed harder, trying again.

Simon’s lips twisted in a little frown. His voice was low and mocking. “What is this? Are you trying to drive that pin straight through my hand?”

Useless. Completely, utterly useless—no matter how much he “cooperated.”

She bit back frustration. “The others… it worked on them. Why not you?”

He smirked, dark eyes leveled on her. “Because I’m not like those idiots. I’m not one of them. Though,” his tone shifted, almost teasing, “you’re kind of cute. In fact, I rather like you.”

And without warning, his hand shot out, gripping her chin. “Doesn’t matter whether you agree or not. You’re mine now—get used to it. I’ve made up my mind.”

Calliope was at a loss, silent and exasperated. This new persona of the Black Spider was proving more troublesome—and disturbing—than anything that had come before.

“She didn’t agree to this!” snapped Nigel, his face thunderous as he confronted Simon. “You’re disgusting. Can’t you see she wants nothing to do with you?”

Simon looked positively delighted at the prospect, as if tossing people to wild animals was his favorite parlor game.

Calliope said nothing—her skin crawled. He wasn’t just a problem; he was something far worse.

Nigel and Damien exchanged grim glances, dread etched in their faces. Time was slipping away, and it was clear: Simon was more than willing to go through with his threats. Should they make a move now, or wait for another opportunity? In any case, the window was closing fast.

Simon snapped his fingers at his men. “Take them away. Give them a hearty meal, clean them up. I want them plump and fresh for the tigers.”

He turned back to Calliope, offering his arm with mock courtesy. “Come with me. We’ll grab a bite too.”

Calliope didn’t fight him. As she was led away, she caught Nigel and Damien’s eyes, sending them a silent promise: Stay strong. I’ll find a way out of this—don’t lose hope.