Chapter 31 · The Unreliable Ally

"Don't move. Not a single inch."

Kael’s hand slammed into the stone wall right next to my ear. The impact echoed through the corridor, pinning me between his body and the cold masonry. He was so close I could feel the heat radiating off his chest, the scent of leather and sharp winter air filling my lungs.

His eyes weren't just searching mine—they were dissecting me.

"You stole it," he whispered. The low vibration of his voice rattled my ribs. "The frequency key. You didn't just survive Augustus's attack; you picked his pocket while he was trying to lobotomize you."

I forced a smirk, though my legs were still shaking. "I prefer the term 'strategic acquisition,' Kael. You should be thanking me. I just handed you the leash to Augustus's dogs."

He didn't smile. He stepped closer, erasing the last inch of space. I felt the rough fabric of his tunic against my dress, the sudden, suffocating proximity making it hard to breathe. He leaned down, his lips hovering just above my temple.

"Who are you really?" he demanded. "No exiled princess wakes up from a mental collapse and starts hacking the Regent's encrypted frequencies. You're playing a game, Sloane.