Althea held her breath as she met Gavriel’s intense gaze. His expression was too dark, dangerously unreadable. The fury in his eyes told her everything. He wasn’t convinced. He didn’t care what she was willing to offer. He was reeling with killing intent. “Kill them-” Without thinking, Althea grabbed the blade of his sword, now pointing at Kael, with her bare hands, yanking it toward herself. In one swift movement, she pressed her chest against the tip, just enough to pierce her skin. Blood spilled from her palms and trickled down her chest. “Thea! Stop!!!” Kael cried out, horrified. Her lips trembled as she looked at Gavriel, voice barely above a whisper. “Please… just kill me instead.” Gavriel’s jaw clenched, his muscles rigid as he growled, “Remove your hands. Now. I will spare t

