The torches guttered low as the two Alphas faced each other across the narrow stone chamber.
Shadows coiled at Kaelen’s feet, curling up the walls like smoke. Riven stood still, but the air around him carried that sharp, electric charge she’d felt in the training yard before — the promise of violence held barely in check.
Neither looked at her. Both looked at each other as though the other’s very existence was a challenge.
“Step aside, Elinora,” Riven said, his voice rough.
“She’s not stepping anywhere,” Kaelen countered. “She’s been chained long enough.”
Her pulse was a drumbeat in her ears. “Stop—both of you.”
But her voice was lost under the low growl that rumbled from Riven’s chest. “You think dragging her here will make her yours? You think teaching her to rip herself apart is f
