You went to someone who wants you as leverage,” he said. “As a knife to put in my ribs. As a way to watch the curse, devour me faster. Don’t pretend otherwise.”
“He offered me a choice,” I said. “You offer orders.”
His eyes flew open.
They were bright with something that looked unnervingly like… hurt.
“He offered you *him,*” Lucian said. “Wrapped in pretty words about freedom and worship. He doesn’t care about breaking your chains. He cares which way they swing.”
The worst part was that I knew he wasn’t entirely wrong.
Kade had been very clear about enjoying whatever chaos I caused.
“He still told me more in one night than you have in weeks,” I said. “About your father. About the web. About why I—”
“This isn’t about my father,” Lucian snapped. “This is about you letting *him* put h
