Vane
The question knocked the air out of me.
Every girl in the hall had gone still. I could feel their stares pressing against my skin, but I kept my eyes on Cain's face and didn't blink.
Lie. I had to lie.
"In my room." My voice came out flat. Steady. I held his gaze because looking away would be an admission. "I was in my room all night."
His scent pressed against me like a wall. Cedar and iron and that raw, warm edge underneath. Standing this close, it flooded my lungs and settled behind my ribs like a second heartbeat.
He's— Ashen surged against the necklace's hold, her voice cracking.
I shoved her down. Not now.
A thin scratch ran along the side of Cain's neck. Fresh. Red at the edges. I knew exactly where it came from, because my claws had put it there twelve hours ago.
He d
