“Pack your things.”
I looked up. My hands froze on the half-filled bag sitting on my bed.
Kael stood in the doorway, eyes hard.
“What?”
“You’re leaving Silver Creek tonight.”
I stared at him, shaking my head. “No.”
His face tightened. “Elara.”
“I said no.”
He didn’t flinch. Instead, he stepped into the room, voice calm but unyielding. “The Black Veil knows you’re here. The assassin knew your name. They know about your mark.”
“I know.”
“Then you understand why you can’t stay.”
“Yes.”
He frowned, frustration bleeding into his words. “Then why are you refusing?”
I stood up, arms rigid at my sides. “Because I’m tired.”
“Tired of what?”
I clenched my fists. “Being shuttled around like I don’t have a say.”
His jaw worked. “This isn’t about controlling you.”
“It always is.” I loo
