Killian's grip remained ironclad. A wicked gleam flashed in Lila's eyes as she suddenly pulled a dagger from her sleeve and slashed at him with lightning speed—too fast for him to evade.
The blade struck true, sinking into his chest. Crimson blood spurted from the wound, and fear twisted Lila's features. She thrashed wildly to escape, but Killian's fingers only locked tighter around her wrist like unyielding shackles.
Then his gaze shifted to Liora, bound and helpless. The ice in his eyes softened into a smile—fragile yet tender, like a man seeing sunlight after years of darkness. "Liora," he rasped, "just hold on... Rowan's coming. Don't be scared."
Never had he spoken to her like this. Liora's nose burned, tears overflowing. "Y-yes," she choked out, voice breaking, "Just hold on... pl
