Chapter 17 · The Gilded Cage

"Drink it. All of it," Kael said, his voice like velvet wrapped around a blade.

He didn't move the glass an inch away from my lips. He held it there, forcing me to either swallow the shimmering blue liquid or choke on it. I glared up at him, my head throbbing, my body feeling like it had been dragged through a gravel pit.

"I'm not taking your mystery cocktail, Golden Boy," I spat, trying to jerk my head back.

He didn't budge. His grip on the back of my neck was firm, not hurting, but reminding me exactly who owned the air I was breathing. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear, a stark contrast to the coldness in his eyes.

"It's a stabilizer, Nova. Your core is leaking. If you don't take this, you'll burn through your own nervous system by midnight. Do you really want to die as a puddle of melted slag in my guest room?"

"I'd rather die than let you play nursemaid," I hissed.

Kael chuckled, a low sound that vibrated in his chest. He shifted his weight, pressing me deeper into the silk pillows.