Page 119 of Savage Crown

But I see it.

The briefest moment of irritation.

He wanted me broken.

Instead, I am calculating his execution.

He exhales, shaking his head. "You disappoint me, Rylan. I expected more?—"

I flick my dagger from my coat so fast the guards barely react.

The blade sings through the air, embedding itself in the wood of the table, inches from his hand.

Nhilian doesn’t flinch.

But Seraphina does.

Not from the blade.

From the shift.

Now, this game is over.

I place my hands on the table, leaning forward, voice low.

"Here’s how this works, Nhilian."

I tip my head, watching the way his fingers twitch slightly.

"You will unchain her. You will let her walk to me. And if you don’t?—"

I drag my second dagger from my belt and place it beside the first.

"I will slit your throat, one inch at a time."

The room holds its breath.

Seraphina is very, very still.

I don’t look at her.

I can’t.

If I do, I might not be able to contain what I’m barely holding together.

Nhilian exhales, slow, measured.

In the cruelest, softest tone, he asks:

"And if she doesn’t want to leave?"

The world goes silent.

Seraphina’s gaze flickers to him.

Then to me.

A moment stretched too thin.

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