“Kill, or be unmade.”
Baron’s chest thundered like a war drum.
The blade in his hand shook—not from weakness, but from fury and shock at himself. His instincts screamed to obey, to end a strange trembling girl on rags in front of him.
The Hollow demanded blood.
His eyes locked on his, wide and raw, her lips parting as though she already knew what was coming.
Kill omega. Claim your rank.
The voice coiled in his skull, molten and absolute.
Baron snarled. His grip tightened on the hilt until his knuckles cracked. His body wanted to lunge, wanted to split her open, wanted to end.
But his mind…
No.
Something wasn't right.
The sword stopped inches from her chest. His whole body shuddered, sweat pouring from his skin as his muscles betrayed him, spasming with the Hollow’s pull.
His th
