Riley's POV

Once the last door slammed shut and the guards took their positions, I turned back to Emberkin without wasting another second.

I stepped toward him, ready to grab him again, but this time he reacted faster. His hand shot up and shoved me hard in the chest.

I staggered half a step back.

That was enough. My hand moved before I even thought about it and I gave him a heavy slap.

The slap landed hard across his face, the sound sharp and clean as it echoed through the hall. His head snapped to the side, and for a moment he just stayed there, stunned.

"That's for forcing...