The silence after Malakar’s words felt lethal.
The abyss itself seemed to tighten around the cavern walls, shadows curling like nervous creatures waiting to see which force would strike first:
blood
fate
or love
Kael’s hand remained against Midnight’s lower back.
Steady.
Possessive.
A silent promise that he wasn’t moving.
Malakar watched that hand like it offended him personally.
The demon lord’s crimson eyes slowly lifted back toward Midnight.
“You truly bonded yourself to a wolf.”
Midnight’s jaw tightened.
“I chose him.”
The Hollow King laughed bitterly from where the shadows still restrained him.
“And there lies the problem.”
Malakar ignored the creature completely.
His attention remained fixed on Midnight with terrifying intensity.
“You were born to rule the abyss.”
