Rex POV
I return to the study, Istha's arguments still burning in my mind. She's lying. I know she is. And I won't let this go.
But first—Selene.
The door swings open. She sits in the center of the room, bound to a chair with thick ropes. Her wrists tied behind her. Ankles secured to the legs. A blanket wrapped around her body but slipping off one shoulder.
Her golden eyes snap to mine. Wide. Furious.
"Let me go!"
The dragon stirs immediately.
Red bleeds at the edges of my vision. The beast recognizes her scent. Wants her. Demands I untie her and claim her right here on the floor.
'No,' I snarl inward. 'We don't touch her. Not yet.'
The dragon pushes harder. My jaw clenches. I dig my nails into my palms until blood drips.
But I hold control.
For the first time since she arrived,
