He didn’t say a word.
Riven stormed through the palace halls with Raya in his arms, her body limp against his chest. The weight of what had happened still clung to the air like mist—her scream, the rogue’s collapse, the scent of blood, the way her eyes had gone wide with something he couldn’t place.
Not fear.
Something deeper.
Something dangerous.
The guards parted before them as he passed, his aura flaring with barely restrained rage. Her chambers were just ahead. His boots slammed the stone floor with each step, echoing his fury with every stride.
When he reached the door, he didn’t bother knocking. He kicked it open and carried her inside, then dropped her unceremoniously onto the bed.
She bounced slightly, then sat up, breath catching as she met his eyes.
“You didn’t have to ca
