Chapter 38 · Cracks in the Gilded Cage

Four minutes. I’d counted everyone of them.

Valerius sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, head hunglow. The fire popped, but his breathing didn't hitch. It was too steady. Like a man bracing his shoulderagainst a door while something heavy pushed back from the other side.

I stayed by the window, back pressed against the cold glass.I let the chill seep through my shirt. At least the cold was real. At least it wasn't him.

“Say it again,” he said.

“No.”

“Seraphina.”

“You heard me.” I dropped my arms, forcing them to my sides. “I’m not repeating itso you can decide which part to get pissed off about.”

He looked up. His eyes were ink-black—no silver ring left. The wolf was clawing at the surface, and he was losing his grip.

“How long?” he demanded.

“Longer than you.”

“I smelled it three weeks ago.” Hisvoice was flat, like he was reciting a chore list. “On the east stairs. I told myself the wind was lying.”

“The wind doesn't lie, Valerius. You just didn't want to hear it.”

He stood. My body reacted before I could stop it—my pulse spiked, my skin prickled with his heat.