Serena's heart tore. His voice was heavy, not just with anger but with fear that filtered through despite his control. "I cannot be kept in a cage," she gasped. "I cannot breathe if I am locked away each time there is danger."
Killian's face darkened, his voice climbing, laced with desperation. "Then you will learn to live with escorts. Because breathing is nothing if it stops altogether. You think I can let you go unescorted when all my enemies view you as their weapon against me? You think I can risk that?
His words slashed deep, and for the first time, Serena felt the naked reality of his anger. It was not control for the sake of control—it was fear disguised as rage. Nevertheless, her chest seethed with defiance. "I am not weak," she said. "I can take care of myself."
"Not against t
