The words hovered like a knife just above my throat.
“He either dies … or you pledge loyalty to me.”
Lucian had done what he always did.
He’d backed me into a corner.
But this time — I had more to lose than just my life.
Kayden was down on his knees, his face bruised and his clothes shredded, but his silver eyes held mine with a silent beseech.
Don’t do it.
But how could I not?
My heart raced as I glanced between them. Lucian — tranquil, collected, so confident I knew my next step. Kayden — vulnerable, waiting for me to determine his future.
Before the words had left his mouth, Lucian had already won.
Because there was no escape from this that didn't end in blood.
And I wasn’t going to let it be Kayden’s.
I let out my breath in a hiss, struggling to keep my voice even. “If I do
