“I… I didn’t… please…”
Dalkhan loomed over her, flames casting restless shadows across his face.“You touched what belongs to me.Youthreatenedher.”
My heart hammered as his burning gaze swept over everyone watching.The warning was clear—this wasn’t just about Iznia.
“If any of you ever lay a finger on her,” his voice carried the promise of unspeakable violence, “I will spend eternity making you beg for the mercy of death.”
Azmik turned his flaming head toward me, darting out his forked tongue.He hissed gently—affectionately—before dissolving into wisps of smoke.
Iznia staggered to her feet, keeping her head bowed as she fled.The rest of the crowd melted away until only we remained.
Jasila and Belshin emerged onto the balcony, both still wearing the aftermath of their battle.Jasila’s wild eyes flicked between Dalkhan and me before settling on Tavrik.She released a soft sound that might’ve been relief.
Dalkhan walked over to us where we were still crowded near the railing.
“Leave us.”
Mira’s fingers were still digging into me like anchors.Tavrik and Theo shared quick glances before their eyes found mine.
I nodded, and they began to move.
Belshin clapped a hand on Theo’s shoulder, steering him toward the exit.“Let us eat.”
“Thank the Heavens,” Theo said.“I was about to pass out.”
Once we were alone, Dalkhan moved closer.
“Show me,” he said.“Show me where she touched you.”
I tilted my head back, exposing my neck where angry red fingerprints marred my skin.
“It’s nothing, really.I’m—”
His large hands cupped my face, his mouth descending on my throat.The first press of his lips against my bruised flesh sent heat through my veins.
A soft sound escaped me as he kissed each mark with care, replacing her violence with his worship.
“No one touches you.”His breath warmed my throat.“No one touches what’s mine.”
He pulled away, bracing his hands firmly on my waist.
I looked up at him through heavy lashes, still dizzy from his touch.“What did Azmik do to her?”
His expression remained hard and unforgiving.“He punished her.”
Despite everything, guilt twisted in my chest.“Is she going to be okay?”
“Eventually.”
His tone suggested he didn’t particularly care when.
“How long will it last?”
“Until Azmik chooses to end the torment.”His mouth twisted in dark satisfaction, though his eyes remained deadly serious.“He is very protective of you.As am I.”
He captured my hand, intertwining our fingers.Bringing my knuckles to his lips, he pressed a kiss to each one while maintaining intense eye contact.
It was like he could see straight into my soul.
