The silence in Maddox’s grip was heavier than the shadows behind us. He didn’t say a word as we ascended the final flight of stone steps, but I could feel it, him, thrumming beneath my skin. The bond, frayed and volatile, coiled tighter with each breath.
We emerged into the hall just as the sun threatened the horizon. Pale, cold light spilt through a slit in the stone wall, but it brought no warmth.
He didn’t look at me when he let go of my wrist. Just turned, cloak whipping behind him, and walked.
I didn’t follow. Not at first.
My pulse was still hammering. The creature’s voice echoed in the marrow of my bones.
You are the key wearing skin. What the hell did that mean?
I found my way back to my chamber with hands that wouldn’t stop shaking. I tried to sleep, but the moment my eyes c
