I obeyed, pushing off his throne, hands gripping the rough surface for support.
“Bow.”
Shame seared through me like acid as I sank to my knees.My palms pressing into my thighs and my head dropping.
“Lower,mortal.”
Placing my palms against the cold stone, I lowered my head to the ground in complete submission.
“Remind me again, who do you bow to?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.“You.”
A step closer.
“Who do you worship?”
My voice broke into a whisper.“You.”
I hate this.I hate you.I hate myself for feeling—
Silent tears spilled from my eyes.Time crystalized, the moment stretching endlessly until he finally moved.His boots scraped against the floor as he stepped around me like I was nothing but an obstacle in his path.His power dragged over my skin as he walked away.
The doors swung open with a deafening crack.
“He will not touch you again.”His command was final.“No one can.”
Then he was gone, leaving me stunned and humiliated.But more than anything—confused.
His words echoed in my mind, one standing out with terrible clarity.
He.
Theo.
I ran back to my chambers in a haze.Shame burned beneath my skin like acid, tangling with something darker.I slammed the door shut behind me, pressing my forehead against the cool wood, trying desperately to shut out the lingering heat of his touch.
My room was supposed to be a refuge, but as I turned, ready to drown myself in solitude, a piercing scream tore from my throat.
Theo and Tavrik stood watching me with barely contained amusement, shadows playing across their faces in the dim light.
I slapped a hand to my chest.“Youassholes!You nearly killed me!”
Tavrik held his hands up in surrender, a slow grin teasing his lips while Theo didn’t even try to stifle his laughter.
“It’snotfunny!”I snapped, shoving Theo’s chest with both hands.He didn’t even budge.
Theo’s expression softened as he studied me, amusement melting into quiet concern.“We just came to make sure you were okay.”
I spun away, rubbing my temples.A headache was building behind my eyes.I didn’t want to talk about what had just happened—couldn’t bear to put it into words.
“I just—” I crossed over to the chair and sunk into it, dropping my head low in my hands.“There issomuch pressure on me.”
I was feeling too much, too fast.Everything coming up to the surface in an uncontrollable wave.A sob built up in my throat, desperate to break free.
“I don’t want to be here anymore.I’m sick of the darkness.I’m sick of Jasila and her stupid face.I’m sick of these—” I plucked at the fabric on my body, “ridiculousclothes.And I’m sick ofhim.”
I didn’t need to say Dalkhan’s name.They knew who I meant, though they didn’t know just how much he truly affected me.
