Chapter 22 · The Face Behind the Gate

"Calian, look at me. Not the blood. Me."

His hand closed around my throat before I could take another breath.

My back hit the stone pillar hard enough to rattle my teeth. Calian's body pinned me there, broad chest pressed to mine, his skin burning through the thin fabric of my dress. His eyes were wrong. Too pale. Too sharp. The black had swallowed his pupils, leaving only a thin ring of silver.

"Let go," I forced out.

His fingers tightened.

"You told me to take my body back," he snarled. His voice sounded like two men fighting over the same mouth. "Now you want me to let you go?"

"Yes. That would be a great start."

His lips pulled back from his teeth. One fang scraped my pulse.

I kept my hands where he could see them. No sudden move. No fear if I could help it. The beast inside him fed on panic, and mine was already kicking against my ribs like it wanted out.

"You know my name," I said. "Say it."

"Seraphina."

The pressure on my throat eased by half an inch.

"Again."

"Seraphina Valentine."

"Good. Now tell me where you are."

His jaw locked.