Chapter 30 · Cracks in the Gold

"Get your hands off me before I decide your tongue is an unnecessary luxury," I hissed, slamming Sera against the marble pillar of the terrace.

I didn't care who saw us from the ballroom. My fingers dug into her shoulders, the fabric of her dress bunching under my grip. I could feel her heart hammering against my chest, or maybe it was mine. Everything was too loud—the orchestra, the fake laughter of the nobility, the humming of the light-spells overhead.

Sera didn't flinch. Instead, she let out a low, jagged laugh that vibrated right through my ribs. She tilted her head, her eyes scanning my face with a look that felt like a scalpel.

"What's the matter, Nora?" she whispered, her breath warm against my ear. "Is the Golden Girl losing her shine? You're shaking. Which one of us is actually the prey here?"

"Shut up," I snapped, tightening my hold. "You're a guest in my city. A guest I'm paying to keep her mouth shut. Don't mistake my patience for weakness."

"Patience?" Sera smirked, and then she did it.