DESDEMONA

“Not safe—” I stumbled back, the words breaking apart on my tongue.

A hand caught me from behind before I could fall.

Strong and familiar.

I gasped, the sudden contact. His grip was not possessive, not commanding—it was desperate. Like he was afraid I would disappear if he let go.

My body reacted before my mind did. Power surged instinctively, wild and untrained, flaring beneath my skin like lightning looking for a place to strike.

“Desdemona,” he said hoarsely. “Breathe. I’ve got you.”

The blade pulsed in my hand, responding to his nearness, to my heartbeat, to the fear tighter in my chest. The silver light around me flickered,...