The morning after in Kael’s quarters was drenched in silence.
Ariana sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the embers in the hearth. Her body still remembered the fire from the night before — his lips, his hands, his words claiming her as though they were iron shackles. Yet her mind had not stopped racing.
Every question about her parents, about Kael’s lies, remained unanswered. But what gnawed at her more was the truth of her own body. The bond had betrayed her — no, she had betrayed herself. She hadn’t just let him silence her doubts with desire… she had wanted it.
And that terrified her.
When Kael stirred awake beside her, stretching like the predator he was, she stiffened. His gaze immediately sought hers, sharp, searching, as if reading every thought she dared not speak.
“You’re
