Alyssa
King's boots thud heavily against the asphalt as he stalks towards me, his expression carved from stone. The tension in the air is palpable, coiling tighter with each step he takes. Niko follows closely behind, his face a shade darker but no less intimidating. My breath catches in my chest, and my fingers fidget at my sides as I brace for their wrath.
They're both lions stalking a prey that's cornered. Me. A paralyzed little gazelle. I try to gather bravado, but my legs tremble, threatening to give out.
King's silence as he closes the distance is somehow worse than words. Beside him, Niko's mouth twists into a cruel smile.
"Alyssa." His gravelly voice sends a warning that's impossible to ignore.
I plaster on the sweetest, most innocent smile I can muster. "Nikolai."
His pupil
