He moved in closer, voice softening to a whisper. “Still, it’s ironic, isn’t it? Thatyou, Thorne—noble protector, my brother’s prized Shade—were the one who handed her over to me in the end.”
His smile was venom.
“That’s not something anyone is likely to forget. Or forgive.”
My fists clenched before I could stop them.
Vael’s tone turned cruel. “Not to mention what you did to your friend.”
Slade.
His face slammed into my mind—defiant to the last, jaw set even as the order took hold. Even as I made him jump.
I did that.
Order before—
I squeezed my eyes shut.
Shoved the feeling down.
Buried it.
The mantra clawed its way back to the surface, ragged and brittle.
Truth before feeling.
Duty before desire.
But it was too late.
The guilt had already cracked something open.
“Just something to think about, friend.” Vael sneered.
He moved to the door, hand on the handle—then paused.
Turned back.
“Elira will remain in her cell tonight,” he said smoothly. “But tomorrow, I want her cleaned up. Presentable.”
He smiled.
“King Ivan will be joining us for dinner. He has much to discuss—and I want her by my side when he does.”
His gaze lingered on me. Cold. Certain.
“She will be mine yet.”
And then he was gone.
Chapter 39
Phoenix
I was exhausted. Healing Slade - even partway - had drained nearly everything I had left, and now my arms ached from holding the book aloft like a shield. The weight of it burned through my muscles—but I couldn’t let it fall. Not yet.
The creatures had stopped converging, instead they just sat and …stared. As if transfixed by something only they could see. And then, just like that, they turned and melted into the forest.
