The Heart Chamber doors parted without a sound.
Elara’s breath caught. “This doesn’t feel like a trap.”
“It doesn’t feel like a welcome either,” Kade muttered, blade half-drawn. “So I’m staying pissed off.”
Darius said nothing. He was watching her. Always watching, like if he blinked she’d vanish into the dark.
She felt it. The heat of it prickled down her spine.
“Stop staring,” she muttered, stepping forward.
“I don’t do it on purpose,” he said quietly. Just for her. “You’re hard not to look at when you’re about to do something reckless.”
Her lips twitched. “Reckless is my brand.”
“Yeah. That’s the problem.”
Kade cleared his throat loudly. “Can you two flirt after we survive the sentient pool of doom? Thanks.”
Elara rolled her eyes, but the tension eased. Just a little.
Inside,
