Chapter 12 · Dangerous Allies

"Stop pretending you can't hear me, Ella."

Vivian’s voice wasn't loud, but it sliced through the air like a razor. She was still pinned against the cold stone wall, Silas’s heavy forearm pressing into her collarbone, but her eyes—sharp, predatory, and entirely too calm—were locked right where Ella’s consciousness hovered inside the Tyrant’s skull.

Ella screamed, though no sound left Silas’s lips. *How do you know my name? Who the hell are you?*

Silas tightened his grip, his knuckles white. "Who are you talking to, bitch? There is no one here but me."

Vivian let out a jagged little laugh, her breath hot against Silas’s chest. "Oh, you’re so loud, Silas. But you’re blind. You’ve got a little bird nesting in your head, and she’s absolutely terrified of you."

Silas snarled, his face twisting. He shoved her harder against the wall, the impact echoing through the hallway. "I don't have time for your riddles. You broke into my sanctum. Give me one reason why I shouldn't rip your tongue out right now."

*Let her go!* Ella surged forward, trying to jam herself into the motor functions of Silas’s arm.