Chapter 21 · The Death Sentence

"Who the hell are you talking to, Ivy?"

Cain didn't shout. He didn't have to. He just stood there, one hand on the doorframe, eyes locked on the phone I was trying to shove under the pillow.

I froze. My heart kicked against my ribs. *Death sentence.* Those two words from Silas were still looping in my head like a scream.

"Nobody," I snapped. My voice shook. "I was just... checking the time."

"Liars have a specific scent." Cain started walking toward me. Slow. Predatory. "And right now, you smell like panic. It’s practically dripping off you."

I backed away, my heels catching on the rug. "I'm fine. Just a headache."

He didn't buy it. He never did.

Before I could blink, he was in my space. He didn't just approach; he invaded. His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my wrist in a grip that said *I own you*, and he yanked the phone from my grasp.

"Give it back!"

I lunged for it. He stepped back, holding the device high above his head. He glanced at the screen. His eyes narrowed. He didn't need the whole message—he saw the sender.

"Silas," Cain murmured.