I hesitantly step through the doorway. It quickly becomes apparent why General Brandon sent me here again. Theo is sprawled on the couch, a half-empty bottle of whiskey by his side. His eyes slowly shift toward me, and I feel a wave of unease wash over me.

I take in the room’s state. There are empty liquor bottles everywhere, and I can smell his blood.

“Kaiya!” he greets. His arms open towards me. “Come and join me!”

I glance at him. “King Theo, I–”

“Ah, right! You don’t want to. You don’t want to have anything to do with me.” He chuckles and leans on the couch again. “Any reason...