I flinched slightly as he stood before me with two quick, smooth steps. He was so much taller than I had expected and remembered. My heart suddenly beat faster. Now I would finally die for my stupidity. His eyes stared directly into mine, no longer as dull as they had been for the past few days—deep, intense, almost searching. He was much too close.

Before I could move to attempt an escape, he slowly raised a hand. I froze, my breath caught in my throat. But instead of grabbing me violently, he gently took my hand in his—coolly, but not unpleasantly. Shocked, I allowed him.

"You took my chains," he...