CLARABEL’S POV

The room emptied as soon as his order came, the staff scrambling over one another to escape the impending storm. Once the doors groaned shut and we were entirely alone in the cavernous space, Malakai’s grip on my wrist tightened just enough to anchor me. His anger didn't explode; instead, it curdled into a cold, terrifying stillness.

He stepped closer, towering over me. After a shameful shake of his head, he simply looked down at me, his voice dropping into a chillingly calm, provocative murmur.

“Why do you always refer to my relationship with Talia? If you must know, she is not my blood sister, Clarabel,” he stated...