A cold, swift breeze swept through the open window, cold against Elaine's skin.
She stood frozen in the center of the room, wanting not to face Kael any more than she already had. But the bond mark on her chest pulled at her. Insistent. Demanding.
"Open the door, Elaine!" Kael's voice came through again. A little irritated. But still calm. He sounded more desperate than anything else.
Her hands trembled at her sides. Her feet would not move. The bond pulled harder, like a hook dragging her forward.
She took quiet steps to the door. Each one felt wrong. Like betrayal. Her fingers closed around the cold knob. She turned it slowly.
The door swung open before she could finish.
Kael entered the room. Fast. Urgent. She stumbled back a step. His tall form filled the doorway, his broad shoul
