“Show us, Alina,” Riven purred, the air thickening with the scent of smoke and ozone. His tether to her, that invisible cord of fire magic, pulsed against her skin, a hot brand promising pleasure. “Show us what you need to be whole.”
Kael moved, a sudden shift of darkness that cut the space between them. His fingers, cool as polished stone, wrapped around her jaw, tilting her face up to his. The Veil hissed, silver threads coiling tighter around their legs.
“You think you can set terms for us, little vessel? You belong to the Veil. And the Veil,” his thumb stroked her lower lip, a mockery of a caress, “answers to me.”
“I’m not just a vessel,” Alina breathed, the defiance sending a fresh wave of warmth from the marks on her skin. The magic liked her fire. It fed on it. “I’m the damn key
