Page 163 of Severed Heir

“This is more fun,” Callum said, already turning away.

Kian caught up without a word. He shrugged off his jacket and gently draped it over my shoulders, the fabric still warm from his body.

“At least get her a damn cloak,” he muttered. “She’s freezing.”

Damien’s voice spoke in my mind,“What’s happening?”

I didn’t want to answer. But I did.“They want me to call Naraic.”

“Shit. Kian won’t hurt you. He’s harmless.”

“I’ll forgive him.”

Another kick sent me tumbling down the stairs. I thrust my palm toward Callum, reaching for flame, but nothing came. Not even a spark.

“Why isn’t it working?” I gasped.

Callum crouched beside me, his grin mocking. “The cloth I put over your mouth was soaked in Spring water. You’re powerless for a while.”

My chest tightened. “Why do you want Naraic?”

Callum didn’t answer. His eyes drifted to the daggers strapped across Kian’s chest.

“Take one out and you’ll see.”

Kian flinched. “I’m not going to hurt her.”

“She’s the reason you’re here,” Callum snapped. “Your brother made her heir. You should be furious.”

“She’s my friend,” Kian said quietly.

“Take the damn dagger out. Now.”

“No.” Kian’s voice was firm, his hazel eyes sharp. “I won’t touch her.” But I knew the truth. He couldn’t. I was the heir of his new home, and he was warded against harming me.

Callum leaned in. “Would you die for her?”

“Don’t you dare!” I screamed. “Don’t touch him!”

Callum’s sneer deepened. “Are you in love with him? All three?”

I lunged, grabbing his leg, nails digging into his calf. “You don’t know anything about me.”

He kicked me hard, and the breath knocked from my lungs. “Call for your dragon, Severyn.”

“No.”

He turned to Kian with a slow, venom-laced smile. “Fine. If she won’t call her dragon, maybe your little shadow friend’s screams will.”

“What did I ever do to you?” I shouted. “I lost my father’s title! I didn’t choose this!”

Callum’s face twisted, bitter and raw. “Your best friend was a princess. You told her grandfather to pick me during the Serpent Bid.” He jabbed a finger toward the thick scar cleaving his jaw. “I look like this because of you.”

“I never chose anyone,” I snapped. “You tortured me. I never even told Myla what you did that night in the trails.”

His lip curled. “And yet, you still got what you wanted. I nearly bled out. The Serpent Academy wouldn’t take me back. Ispent a week in the infirmary just to be told I was being dumped into the guard ranks like garbage.”

Then he lifted the blade, pressing it to Kian’s throat. “Call for your dragon, or the third Lynch dies.”

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