been dressed in a gown of crimson silk, its neckline high and modest, its heavy fabric weighing her down

m together, and when it was done, Kael had kissed

he fabric of her gown. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with dark, intri

ouette sharp against the moonlight

m," he said finally, his voice low.

her, though she dared n

do not mistake my mercy for kindness. I will not harm

es

sence as overwhelming as ever.

hard, her thro

e said, his voice a soft warning. "The

tched, but she nod

ment longer before turning

own chambers, she finally allowed herself to exhale. Her hands were sti

that. But there was something else beneath his

ceiling, one thought consumed her: If I am to sur

e door she had just closed. His expression was unreadable

o himself, his voice tinged w

dered if this time, h