His hand settled on my back, the touch formal but burning with possessiveness. Heat shot up my spine, and even though I knew it was part of the act, I leaned into him—just enough to sell the lie. For one sharp, dangerous moment, it felt real, as if the room had shifted on its axis and everything else faded away.
I felt Kael tense, felt the tiny hitch in his breath. We were both actors, both caught in the roles we’d chosen, but the line between reality and performance blurred for a heartbeat.
Council Leader, Cassian I learnt his name to be, ancient and cruel, his silver hair gleaming under the harsh lights, regarded us with that predatory stillness only true Alphas possess. His eyes were ice, his voice a rasp.
“Strange choice, Kael. You trade one enemy for another. This contract—if it fa
