The guards dragged Xander across the marble floor as his curses echoed through the hall. His once-arrogant face was twisted with rage, and hatred burned in his eyes as he fixed them on me. I forced myself not to flinch or look away, but the chill running down my spine told me I’d never forget that look.
The crowd erupted into excited murmurs as Darius turned away from them and descended the stage stairs without a single glance in my direction. His guards appeared as if from thin air, falling in formation around him like solid shadows that stopped even the light from coming near.
He strode out through the same doors Xander had been dragged, his eyes fixed ahead, like I no longer existed. My heart cracked.
I told myself I understood. He was the king, forced to consider every move, watch e
