Hudson’s cold facade was a jagged glass wall, but Brent saw only the predator beneath.

In a flare of protective fury, Brent lunged, fist bunching the thick wool of Hudson’s tunic. "If Avery ever finds her way back from the Shadow-Wastes, I will peel back your skin and show her the hollow beast you really are. You do not deserve a single drop of her devotion!"

"Her devotion..." Hudson repeated, the words tasting like copper and old iron.

Instead of snapping Brent’s wrist, Hudson tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing. "Are you claiming the Omen truly harbors a bond-feud of love for me?"

This only stoked Brent’s rage. He...