Chapter 14 · Pure Mask, Dirty Game

"Still pretending you're a victim, Nova? It's getting a little boring."

Kael's voice was right against my ear, his breath warm and smelling of mint and something sharp. He didn't just walk into the room; he invaded it. Before I could even pivot, he had me pinned against the heavy mahogany desk, one hand braced beside my hip and the other gripping my chin just tight enough to keep me looking up.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I spat, trying to wrench my jaw away. I kept my voice trembling, leaning into that fragile, broken-girl persona that usually made these 'heroes' lower their guard. "I'm just trying to survive."

Kael chuckled, a low vibration that I felt in my own chest. He leaned in closer, the gold embroidery of his tunic brushing against my collarbone. "Survive? You were the Sovereign of the Star-Core. You didn't survive things, Nova. You incinerated them."

"That was before," I whispered, my eyes wide, searching his for a flicker of the pity I needed. "Before Silas took everything. I have nothing left. No power, no allies. Just... this.