Chapter 21 · Blood in the Hallways

"Get your hands off me!"

I screamed, but the sound was swallowed by a crash of glass and steel.

Kane didn't let go. He slammed me back against the cold marble pillar, his fingers digging into my shoulders. His eyes weren't gold anymore. They were a bleeding, midnight red.

"Stay. Behind. Me," he growled. The words sounded like they were being dragged through gravel.

Heat radiated off him in waves. The air felt thick, suffocating. He was shaking—not from fear, but from some violent, internal war. The mark on my neck pulsed, a hot brand tethering my heartbeat to his. Every time his chest heaved, mine followed.

"What the hell is happening?" I gasped, trying to peer around his massive frame.

Three men stepped through the shattered window. No royal crests. Just matte black gear, tactical masks, and jagged blades shimmering with a sickly purple hue.

"The Blood-Key," the lead assassin said. His voice was distorted, metallic. "The King is losing his grip. Look at him. He can barely stand without the girl's scent."

Kane let out a guttural roar that shook the chandeliers. He lunged, but his legs gave out. He hit the floor with a bone-jarring thud.

"Kane!"