KAIDA REED POV

Zavian’s eyes held mine captive, and they burned with such an intensity that it had my breath catching in my throat. I couldn’t look away.

I stood, pinned in place, but it wasn’t out of fear. It was something heavier. Something almost forbidden.

I blinked, my hands clenching the side of my dress as I tried to make sense of the feeling.

"What do you want me to do, Kaida?" he asked, towering over me, the storm of anger and concern swirling in his gaze sending a wave of goosebumps down my arms.

"Zavian?" I called shakily, my hands clammy with sweat. "W–what—" I stuttered, then gasped...