Page 66 of Warlord's Plaything

How fucking dangerous she is.

And now?

She is mine.

Kaelith is the first to speak.

"And yet, you let her live."

I grin.

"She’s more useful breathing."

The chamber buzzes with quiet tension.

I can see the war in their eyes—half of them agree, half of them want my head for it.

They won’t move yet.

But this?

This was their first test.

And they’re watching.

Waiting for the first crack in my armor.

Kaelith smiles, his fingers drumming against the table.

"Very well."

I don’t trust his easy agreement.

I shouldn’t.

The game isn’t over.

It’s just fucking starting.

After that tense confrontation with the council, there’s this aching need driving me to see Hira.

I go to her like a moth craving the fire. Like how they fly to their deaths.

As I enter my private chambers, the torches flicker against the walls.

The scent of sweat, steel, and anger lingers in the air.

She’s waiting for me.

Standing in the center of my room, body tense, eyes burning.

She doesn’t even give me time to speak.

"Where are they?"

Her voice is low, sharp. A blade to my throat.

I don’t answer immediately.

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