Daniel POV

“Make sure she doesn’t harm herself,” I told the two guards posted outside Vanessa’s cell. My voice was firm, though I hated how hollow it sounded even to my own ears. “Kael may want her alive longer than she wants herself alive.”

One of the men snorted, leaning lazily against the wall, the torchlight painting his face in smug shadows. “Alive, sure. Comfortable? That’s not our problem.”

I fixed him with a hard glare, letting the weight of my stare drag across his bravado. “You’re right. Comfort isn’t your problem. But her survival is mine. And if she dies on your watch, I’ll make sure your tongue is...