Chapter 6 · The Gilded Leash

"Don't even think about moving."

Kane's hand clamped my wrist like a vice. He didn't look at the Council guards. Didn't even blink. He just stared at me, eyes glowing a dangerous, predatory red. He looked like he couldn't decide whether to protect me or devour me right there on the floor.

"Let her go, Your Majesty," the lead guard barked. The tip of his spear trembled an inch from my shoulder. "The Council demands the sacrifice be processed by the Old Laws. She belongs to the city, not your quarters."

Kane let out a low, vibrating laugh. A predator's warning.

He yanked me flush against his chest. The heat of him seared through my thin dress. I could feel his heart hammering—not fear, but a raw rage that made the air feel electric. Heavy. Suffocating.

"The Old Laws?" Kane leaned down, his breath hot against my ear. "I *am* the law here. And right now, this girl is the only thing keeping me from ripping your throat out. You want her? Come and take her."

"He's insane," I whispered. I tried to pull back, but his grip only tightened.

"Shut up, Elara," he snapped.