Chapter 29 · Forget Her, Buy Her Sister

“Who the hell are you again?”

Silas didn't just ask. He stared at Kaela like she was a stranger who’d just broken into his house. His eyes—usually sharp, calculating, always three steps ahead—were flat. Empty. Like a house stripped bare in the middle of the night.

Kaela froze. The air in the room turned thin. She didn't blink, didn't move, just stared back. Her hand was still shaking from the adrenaline of the rescue, the cold metal of her blade humming in her grip.

“Stop it,” she whispered. “Silas. Stop joking. This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not joking.” He tilted his head, a clinical frown creasing his brow. “Do I know you? You seem… familiar. But I can’t place where.”

Kaela stepped forward, boots clicking sharp on the stone. She lunged, grabbing the lapel of his coat and yanking him close. He didn’t resist. He didn’t even flinch. He just let her pull him in until their faces were inches apart, her hot, ragged breath ghosting over his skin.

“We’ve been through hell for three weeks!” she spat, her voice cracking. “I’ve bled for you. I’ve lied for you. I’ve almost died for you a dozen times.