Irise before I can make sense of why I’m even moving.
My hands shake at my sides, but I make no move to hide it. Let them see. Let them feel the pressure they’ve built in my lungs, the way every breath now feels forced as I exhale.
The earth pulses beneath me, spreading through the soles of my boots and up my calves.
Deep and low, like a hum in response to what I’m feeling.
Their voices blur around me, a symphony of too many tones layered too closely together.
My skin crawls with the overload.
The heat of Torryn’s words as he mutters something to Sylvin through clenched teeth.
Sylvin’s fake, curved smile in response.
Riven watching me in that quiet, reverent way he does when he thinks I won’t notice. But I do. Ifeelit. That thread of need he won’t name.
All of it presses in and tightens around my ribs until the weight of their attention threatens to bury me alive.
I’ve had enough.
My voice cuts through the building. “I’m not yours.”
Every head turns as the fire in me builds. I feed it air. I feed it kindling. I let it rise until it licks beneath my skin and scorches my lungs.
“I’m not your territory to guard, or your prize to win, or your secret to keep.”
The words spill from me faster now and with more strength as I glance between them all.
Finally, they’re still and quiet.
“You speak of me like I’m a choiceyouget to make. Like I’m something to divide. As if I haven’t heard every unspoken threat between your teeth. As if I owe any of you more than what I’ve already given just bybeing here.”
None of them interrupt.
None of them dare.
“I woke in your world without memory, without a name, and still I stood before you. I stayed. I listened. I didn’t run when I should have.”
My fists clench, nails biting into the skin of my palms.
“And you think that means I’m yours to claim?” I seethe between clenched teeth.
The humans left me to die.
These proclaimed kings act like I’m a possession to claim.
Maybe I wasn’t supposed to stay with them. Maybe I’m just as disposable here as I was to the humans that left me behind.
Is there anywhere in this world in which I can simply exist without conflict?
Is that all this world has to offer me?
The wind suddenly blows through the entryway, filling the small room.
Torryn has the decency to drop his gaze as his shoulders slump ever so slightly, as if remorse is suddenly an emotion he understands. He may posture like I’m a feeble woman who needs protecting, but he’s been the least overwhelming of them.
My gaze lands on Riven. “I don’t care what lavish luxuries you offer me.”
