Chapter 30 · Bloody Reward

"Admit it, Elara. You want it. You want to disappear into me."

Kane’s voice was a low vibration against my ear, sending a chill straight down my spine. He had me pinned against the jagged remains of the mirror. A shard of glass dug into the small of my back, but I barely felt it.

All I felt was him. The heat radiating off his chest. The scent of cedar and something metallic—like old coins and fresh rain. His grip on my wrists was bruising, locking me in place. I couldn't even flinch.

"Get your hands off me," I spat.

My breath hitched. My heart hammered against my ribs—not just from fear, but from that sick, magnetic pull. The bond was screaming. It demanded I lean in. It demanded I give in to the predatory hunger in those gold-flecked eyes.

Kane smirked. A cruel, slow curve of his lips.

"Liar. Your pulse is racing. Your skin is humming." He leaned closer, his breath hot on my neck. "You're not fighting me, little bird. You're fighting yourself."

"She's not lying about the hate, Kane."

I snapped my head toward the door.