Chapter 24 · Upgrading the Contract

"Who the hell was watching us?"

Cain’s voice didn't just fill the hall; it vibrated in my chest. Low. Dangerous.

He didn't let go of my wrist. His grip was a steel cuff, hauling me flush against him. I could feel the heat radiating off his skin—not just warmth, but that humming, violent energy that hadn't settled after the slaughter in the garden. He smelled like ozone, iron, and fresh blood.

"I don't know," I snapped, wrenching my arm. He didn't budge. "I saw a shadow. Someone was in the gallery, Cain. You were too busy playing butcher to notice."

He let out a sharp, dark laugh and shoved me back. My spine hit the marble pillar with a crack that knocked the wind out of me. Before I could gasp, he was there. Crowding me. His palm slammed against the stone right next to my ear.

"Playing butcher?" He leaned in. His eyes were still swirling with that predatory gold tint. "I saved your life. Again. Maybe you should start thanking me instead of playing detective."

"Thank you for what? Turning the rosebushes into a graveyard?" I glared up at him, heart hammering against my ribs. "You’re insane.