Chapter 25 · Kiss of the Forbidden Vault

"Get your hand off the lever, Nova. Now."

Kael’s voice wasn’t the gentle, saintly tone he used for the masses. It was low, vibrating with a threat that made the hair on my arms stand up. He had me pinned against the cold obsidian wall of the vault, his chest barely an inch from mine. I could feel the heat radiating off him, a sharp contrast to the damp chill of the underground chamber.

I didn't move my hand. I grinned, though my heart was hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. "What's the matter, Golden Boy? Afraid I'll take back what's mine?"

"You're not in a position to negotiate," he snapped. His hand clamped around my wrist, his grip like a vice. He didn't just hold me; he crushed my arm back against the stone, forcing me to arch my back. "You're a guest in the Sanctuary. A guest who is one wrong move away from being handed back to Silas in chains."

I let out a sharp, jagged laugh. "Guest? Please. You've got me on a leash, Kael. Let's call it what it is. You love the feeling of power, don't you? Saving the big bad villain.