Without a shred of mercy, he reached down, his hand closing around her neck like a steel trap. Amelia’s eyes flew open in terror as his fingers dug into her flesh, crushing her throat.

Her hands shot up instinctively, clawing at his wrist, her nails scratching at his skin in a futile attempt to loosen his grip.

Caspian only tightened his hold, lifting her slightly off the ground as she gasped desperately for air.

Her chest heaved, her vision blurring as darkness began to creep in at the edges. For a moment, her panicked gaze met his, and she saw it—his cold, unrelenting intent. He wanted her gone.

Her legs...