Page 132 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

It was the opposite.

In his eyes burned a flame that lit my core.

Then, with his other hand, he cupped my throat. His thumb brushed over my tattoo, and though his grip was firm, it wasn’t painful. Being held like this, by him, was intoxicating.

My magic sputtered, fizzling out as his fingers tightened around me, sending a shockwave through my body that had nothing to do with power. I struggled against him, waiting for the moment when he’d tighten his grip and choke the air from my lungs. But instead of hurting me, he brushed his mouth over my throat, inhaling deeply.

I shuddered, hating myself for it.

“Let me go,” I hissed, twisting in his grip, but he didn’t. His body was too close, too warm, and I hated the way I could feel his strength—hated the way my heart reacted, pounding harder in my chest for reasons that had nothing to do with fear.

When he kissed me, I didn’t fight it.

I melted instantly.

His mouth was greedy and hot, his tongue demanding—claiming. I whimpered, ready to beg for more if that was what it took.

But he pulled away, refusing to give me what I wanted.

“I’m not your enemy,” he said. “But I can’t let you leave.”

I shoved at his chest, but it was like trying to move a stone wall. “You can’t keep me here.”

His grip loosened a fraction, but not enough to let me go. His voice was quieter now, softer. “I only want to keep you safe.”

“Safe?” I spat, glaring up at him. “From what? Being used by your brother like some kind of hunting trophy? Or from your father draining me until I’m dead?”

He went still, his expression hardening. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “But I can’t let you go.”

“You knew,” I realized. “You knew all along what Duron was after. What he wanted me for.”

When he answered, his voice was ragged. “Yes.”

I sagged against him. Tears burned at the edges of my vision, but I swallowed them. I wouldn’t cry. Not in front of him.

“Why do you hate me so much?” I whispered, utterly defeated.

His grip on me loosened, but he didn’t let me pull away. His eyes held mine, filled with some emotion far more absolute than anything I’d been expecting.

“I could never hate you,” he said softly, like a promise.

But it didn’t feel like a promise. It felt like a lie.

Chapter Forty-One

Rydian

Iwas weaker than I ought to be, which was why I ended up in the passageway outside her bedroom long after the castle had gone to sleep. Tomorrow, I would lose her forever. There was only tonight. And I’d be damned if I let it go to waste.

The secret doorway opened silently, thanks to my shadows.

I stepped into her bedroom, my eyes already adjusted to the darkness. Like a beacon calling to my soul, all my attention went to the slight frame tucked beneath the covers of her bed. Her back was to me, her golden hair splayed out on the pillow, just begging to be touched. I closed the distance, my heart pounding louder than it should, considering my training.

Not to mention my nature.

I was a walking nightmare. But when I closed my eyes, she was the one starring in every single one of my dreams.

Rounding the bed, I knelt beside her, studying the smooth lines of her face as she slept. In this state, her features were unmarred by worry—or ire for me. But behind those closed lids, there was more than fear or fury.

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