Chapter 13 · The Forbidden Feast

"Drink it. All of it."

Silas didn't move his hand from the back of my neck, but the pressure was enough to make me lean forward. He held the goblet right under my nose. The liquid inside was thick, a deep, bruised purple that smelled like iron and old earth. It didn't smell like wine. It smelled like a warning.

"I'm not taking a sip of whatever that is," I snapped, trying to jerk away.

His grip tightened. Not enough to bruise, but enough to let me know I wasn't going anywhere. He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear, sending a shiver straight down my spine that had nothing to do with fear.

"This isn't a request, Ivy. You wanted to know why the Ridge fears me? This is the first lesson. Submission isn't about bowing. It's about surviving what others can't."

I glared at him, my heart hammering against my ribs. "And if I refuse? You'll just throw me back to Klaus?"

Silas let out a low, dry chuckle. "Klaus doesn't want you back. He wants you dead. I'm the only thing keeping your heart beating. Now, drink."

He tilted the cup.