The silence that followed his admission was deafening, the space between us stretching tight like a wire about to snap. My father. The shadow that had hung over every newly awakened part of my life was finally extending his reach toward the borders of the stronghold.
But as the initial shock faded, a hot, sharp spark of anger flared up in my chest, instantly burning away the chill. I looked up at Demetrius, my jaw tightening as I took in his calm, defensive posture.
"And when," I started, my voice dangerously low, each word dripping with the ice of my rising temper, "were you exactly planning on telling me this little theory of yours?"
Demetrius didn't back down, though his dark eyes locked intensely onto mine. "I didn't want you to worry, Rachel. You have been pushing yourself to the a
