Something in his words sparked anger instead of fear. Failed three years ago? No. Kieran had made a mistake, had chosen wrong, but he'd learned. He'd grown. He'd literally given up everything to come back for me.
And I wasn't the same person either. I'd survived three years of hunting, of facing down rogues and vampires and creatures that would have killed the girl I used to be. I'd learned to fight, to endure, to never stop struggling no matter how hopeless things seemed.
Sebastian wanted me to be weak. Wanted me to be the helpless victim who needed saving. But that wasn't who I was anymore.
The rope finally gave way.
I moved before Sebastian could react, ignoring the pain in my arms as I grabbed his wrist and twisted. The knife clattered to the floor. He was stronger than me, older,
